Automatic Identification Systems On Boats Is Important To Safer Boating

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.

The transponded information can then be received by other vessels to help them to determine its course and speed. As the VHF signals come in, the receivers are able to display all AIS-equipped vessels that are transmitting within a certain 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 most of the time shown on a computer screen or positioned as an overlay on a chart plotter. This helps to confirm radar readout.

Navigators and crew members who are on-watch depend on it to make important waterway navigation decisions in terms of course and speed. Maritime search and rescue operations can be made much easier by automated identification devices that will specify the exact location of the distressed vessel regardless time of day or 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. The International Maritime Organization requires these safety devices on all passenger and large shipping vessels (over 300 ton) to use the system. It is not required for recreational boats but it is increasingly becoming more popular. Worldwide, 40,000 vessels are thought to be equipped with this special marine technology. The numbers are increasing everyday.

The number one use is for avoiding collisions. The tracking does not work alone. VHF radio communications can be limited and considering the fact that every vessel isn’t required to have it, it is not the perfect solution. It is not an automated collision avoidance system as defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). In the hands of a skilled captain however, it is one of many tools utilized for safe travel.

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 thrown away. There is certainly, of course, visual observation where the captain will often make use of binoculars to spot far away obstacles or boats. There can also be acoustic observational warnings that a captain has to listen for such as horns, whistles, or VHF broadcast. Finally, there is radar or Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) that can provide important navigational information to enhance what the AIS is plotting. Despite having all this technology, mishaps can even now happen. It is frequently because of time delays and limitations of radar or even just plain human error whenever this takes place. 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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