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. The system therefore provides a highly valuable service to water vessels in helping to track the progress of other watercraft in the nearby area. This decreases the chances of collision on the waterways. . The data that is received by other AIS-enabled vessels is most of the time shown on a computer display or positioned as an overlay on a chart plotter. This will help to confirm radar readout.
Ship navigators utilize AISAIS as a navigational tool to reduce the risk of collision and to chart a safe course to travel. 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. 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. People who use recreational boats are not required to use it, however more people are using the technology. All over the world, it is thought to be used in over 40,000 vessels.
This maritime technology is used primarily to avoid 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 also does not mean that all other types 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 alerts that a captain must pay attention for such as horns, whistles, or VHF broadcast. Finally, there is radar or Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) that can provide important navigational data to add to what the AIS is plotting. Despite having all this technology, accidents can still occur. It is often because of time delays and limitations of radar or even just plain human error whenever this occurs. 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.