AIS Coming Soon to a Screen Near You?
AIS Coming Soon to a Screen Near You?
The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of AIS, its benefits to the mariner and the challenges and issues which will arise from its introduction. It is also a call for feedback from users and potential users of the system.
An AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a mandatory carriage requirement under the revised Solas Chapter V. The phased introduction of this requirement commenced on 1st July 2002 and will be completed by December 2004.
What is AIS?
AIS is a automatic ship tracking and identification system which operates in the Marine VHF Band. It's purpose is to improve safety of shipping by exchanging relevant information between ships and between ships and shore stations. It also has a role as an Aid to Navigation and for SAR. So far so good. Simple, straightforward and with clear benefits for all, and so it is but, as we will see below, there are some complications.
Benefits on the Bridge
Be warned. You will not see all vessels on your AIS. AIS is the ultimate snob. It only talks to other AIS. Not all ships have AIS and some that have may have it turned off. Because shore retransmission is possible the fact that you can see a vessel on AIS does not guarantee that that vessel has AIS.
AIS will provide automatic, near real time, information on the identity, position, course, speed, navigation status and actions of other AIS fitted vessels within VHF range. This data comes from the tracked vessels' own inputs and is updated every two to twelve seconds depending on the speed of the vessel. Course alterations will be immediately apparent. Problems associated with ARPA such as tracking errors, target swop and lost targets do not arise. The benefit of having this information for target tracking, collision avoidance and spatial awareness is clear.
The automatic nature of AIS should reduce the need for VHF reporting. Further information on cargo, draft, ETA, last/next port, etc will also be available and short safety related messages can be transmitted.
Using AIS technology Aids to Navigation will be able to confirm their operation and position and in the future provide the mariner with additional hydrological and hydrographic information.
Benefits Ashore
The value of AIS information at shore based VTS stations will be readily apparent. Vessel identity automatically confirmed from time of crossing VHF horizon, accurate up to date ETA; no radar blind spots and tracking errors; real time detailed information provided automatically. There is no apparent down side for VTS operation.
In time the AIS shore infrastructure will extend far beyond individual ports as there is a requirement for EU states to network and share this information.
AIS Trials
IALA (the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) have been involved in the development and specification of AIS since it was first proposed in 1988. The final specification was agreed in 2001. The Commissioners of Irish Lights and the other General Lighthouse Authorities have established trial AIS installations on ships and VTS centres in the Solent, Firth of Forth and Dublin. A primary objective of each of these trials is to obtain feedback from mariners on the AIS system. Only with proper feedback from serving mariners can we hope to make the system responsive to user needs. Readers are encouraged to share their experience and opinions on AIS.
Kongsberg Seatex have provided AIS mobile and base station equipment for the Dublin Trial. AIS has been fitted onJonathan Swift (now replaced with permanent fit), Arklow Castle, Granuaile, Kish Lighthouse, Dublin Pilot Boat and at the Dublin Port VTS.
Data is being recorded and feedback from users logged and fed
back to IALA and IMO.
Coming to the Big Screen?
There is as yet no agreement on the display of AIS data on Radar or ECDIS. The carriage requirement is for a Minimum Keyboard & Display (MKD). The MKD will present information in alphanumeric form and clearly this is not the most user friendly format for a busy bridge.
It is unlikely that we will universally see AIS on the big screen in the immediate future. A significant number of display issues still remain to be resolved. While this is a disappointment, it also represents an opportunity for mariners to make their voice heard on their requirements for the content and presentation of AIS data.
Issues to Consider
When equipment is fitted on a vessel there is a requirement to use it - all available means will include AIS.
There is considerable debate on whether the introduction of AIS should be specifically recognised in the Colregs, as is the case with Radar, or if the present provisions are sufficient. For example, AIS will never reduce the need to keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing (Rule 6) but it will add to the means by which a proper lookout should be maintained. Similarly in determining if risk of collision exists (Rule 7) AIS would be one of the available means. AIS is not among the factors specifically mentioned with regard to safe speed (Rule 10) but the list is not intended to include all factors. The additional data provided by AIS will assist in deciding on the best action to avoid collision (Rule 8) and Rule 19d which refers to detecting a vessel by radar alone was written before the possibility of detection by radar and AIS was a possibility.
AIS will identify vessels by name and MMSI. While this removes the 'ship on my port bow' confusion it adds to the temptation to VHF manage traffic situations. MGN167 highlights the dangers of this practice and this warning is strongly repeated in guidance on AIS operation.
AIS is an additional tool for the mariner. It must not make the bridge windows any further away or more difficult to use. If for whatever reason the OOW is distracted by any equipment to the extent that important actions are being delayed then the time has come to step back and use traditional methods to resolve the situation and make more time.
Further Information
IMO, IALA and MCA offer detailed information and guidance on their web sites. Most equipment manufacturers and suppliers have also produced guidance and information leaflets.