An Automatic Identification System, or AIS, is a device that helps to identify boats and vessels by sending out a continuous VHF signal that transmits basic information about that vessel such as its name, locations, type, & call sign.
VHF signals are often received by other ships as it transmits data about the course and speed of the transponding vessel. The final result provides a visual reference about all enabled vessels that are transmitting within a VHF range. It helps to reduce the chances of collisions on the water by moving water vessels that have the systems. . The data that is received by other AIS-enabled ships is primarily displayed on a personal computer display or placed as an overlay on a chart plotter. This can help to verify radar readout.
Ship captains use these devices to help make vital waterway navigation decisions so as to reduce the risk of collision. This technology aids in marine search and rescue operations by finding the exact location of a vessel that is in distress regardless of what time of day or the the weather conditions..
Dangerous situations can be avoided by programming the system to track specific vessels. This information can be exchanged automatically by the ships captains allowing for safer navigation. Ships with over 300 tons of cargo & all passenger ships are required by the International Maritime Organization to be fitted with the marine guidance system. Recreational boaters are not required by law to use the technology, but the maritime technology is increasing in demand by those users. Worldwide, 40,000 vessels are thought to be equipped with this special marine technology. The numbers are increasing everyday.
Without a doubt, the technology’s primary use is to prevent collisions. It is not a perfect system all in itself. There are known limitations of VHF radio communications, not to mention that not all vessels are fitted with the transponders. It really is just an added tool to that helps determine risk of maritime collision. It is definitely not an automated collision avoidance system as specified by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).
During sea navigation, identifying other ships in the area is crucial for captains to make the best decisions on any voyage. That likewise does not mean that all other forms of navigational observation is discarded. There is certainly, needless to say, visual observation in which the captain will frequently use binoculars to notice far away obstacles or ships. There is also audio observational warnings that a captain must pay attention for such as sirens, whistles, or VHF radio. Last but not least, there is radar or Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) that can provide beneficial navigational information to add to what the AIS is plotting. Despite having all this technology, accidents can even now happen. It is often because of time delays and limitations of radar or even just plain human error whenever this happens. The graphical charts and all the other observational tools must be utilized if water travel is to be safe and AIS is a small part of that.
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