Sailing and trading on the deep blue ocean takes courage of heart, calmness, sincerity and technology. There are many dangers that a sailor must be aware of when cruising through the water. Communication and navigation are the most important. It is critical for a sailor and commercial voyager to keep in touch with the water boards for safety issues. Sailing becomes a lot safer with the invention of the latest technologies and devices. In this article, we are going to explore an important device that is useful for connecting a voyage to the other ships sailing on the same ocean. The device is called Automatic Identification System. Let's briefly learn this innovative way of navigation and communication for sailors.
Introduction [What is AIS?]
Automatic Identification System, referred to as AIS for short, is an automatic tracking system used by ships to identify and locate other nearby ships. This device helps you exchange information such as unique identification, speed, location, position and heading of other nearby vessels on the screen or ECDIS. It is designed with the intention of helping a ship's watch officer by enabling him to track and monitor the movements of other ships. AIS can be integrated with a standardized VHF transceiver with a positioning system such as a GPS receiver. It is compatible with electronic navigation sensors such as gyrocompass. AIS base stations are located along the shoreline to track the ships with their transceivers. When the vessel is out of range, AIS base satellites are used to track and monitor the vessel.
Types of AIS
AIS Class A The class A is designed for large ships engaged in international voyages. They provide extended range and 100% accurate data that makes the journey safe for the large commercial vessels. It also uses self-organized time division multiple access to transmit their data.
Class B AIS Class B transceivers were developed to provide AIS benefits to smaller vessels. Class B devices offer lower power, fewer receivers, and different display options for a Class A transceiver. It is quite affordable for small and medium boat owners.
AIS ATON (navigation aid) It is specially designed for aids navigation through chaining that improves the range of the AIS base station, as well as the weather and marine monitoring capabilities. It makes vessel monitoring and tracking completely easy for the rescue team.
AIS SART (Search and Rescue Transmitter) It provides enhanced location-finding data in emergency situations. Transmitting the position, course and speed of the liferaft has become a complete convenience with the AIS data. This is the main advantage over other technology, as it allows rescue vessels to quickly and efficiently plan a crossing course.
AIS base station AIS base stations offer the chance to form an AIS network along a country's coastline that enhances national security and provides a link between the sea and the surveillance center further inland. AIS base stations can relay information from ATONs and ship information to a monitoring or command center further inland, aiding national security.
How does it work?
AIS requires a VHF transmitter, a receiver and a common electronic communication device such as a radio. It uses 9.6 kb GMSK FM modulation over 25 or 12.5 kHz channels using HDLC packet protocols. It uses time division multiple access i.e. TDMA to share the VHF frequency (VDL). There are two special frequencies, AIS 1 and AIS 2. The VDL is divided into 2250 time slots arranged in frames that are repeated every minute. Each AIS unit simultaneously sends a notification to one of the timeslots. AIS units in range listen, record, read all time slots and display the information on the radar screen.
AIS for class A and class B use the same TDMA, but their information is different. All types and classes of AIS use a Maritime Mobile Service Identity, i.e. MMSI, to transmit on the VHF frequency. The ships using digital selective calling means have the same MMSI number as the frequency of the radio. Each vessel's 6 digit MMIS number is unique and can be tracked differently.
Use of AIS
Since its inception, AIS has been an essential link in navigation for the nautical industry. It is almost impossible to start with the following important tasks for the maritime industry.
To manage heavy traffic on different nautical channels.
To avoid unforeseen circumstances such as ship shrinkage, accident and many others.
Perform rescue operations successfully in unforeseen circumstances.
To find the best direction for navigation during rallies and other situations.
It is used for exchanging information between the ships.
Requirement of AIS
Is your vessel required to have AIS? This is the essential aspect for your journey to start trading on the water. Here we describe some of the essential International Maritime Organization regulations that require the fleet to be equipped with approved AIS. These AIS transport requirements only apply to commercial vessels subject to the safety of life at sea.
International voyage of 300 gross tonnage or more
Local cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage or more
All passenger ships regardless of size.
It doesn't matter if you have a private yacht or a commercial trip, it is essential to take advantage of the latest nautical technologies to avoid any danger or accident.
Does your fleet use an automatic identification system? If your answer is yes, let's discuss some of the benefits in the comment box below.
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Sailing and trading on the deep blue ocean takes courage of heart, calmness, sincerity and technology. There are many dangers that a sailor must be aware of when cruising through the water. Communication and navigation are the most important. It is critical for a sailor and commercial voyager to keep in touch with the water boards for safety issues. Sailing becomes a lot safer with the invention of the latest technologies and devices. In this article, we are going to explore an important device that is useful for connecting a voyage to the other ships sailing on the same ocean. The device is called Automatic Identification System. Let's briefly learn this innovative way of navigation and communication for sailors.
