An Automatic Identification System is a tracking system that is used with ships. When they use it they send their location and other important information to nearby ships. This system has helped many vessels when it comes to navigating the sea and avoiding accidents. Here, we will present to you some basic things you should know about it and why it is very useful.
What is AIS technology?
The Automatic Identification System allows radio contact between ships and authorities on land. The original purpose of this system was to help prevent marine accidents, but nowadays, it is a powerful tool for tracking vessels all over the globe. AIS communicates with ships using very high-frequency radio waves, so it can easily send and receive data about their location, speed, and course. To better understand the AIS definition, we should take a look at its components, use, challenges it faces, and many benefits. The applications are many, and this technology has only begun improving and taking huge steps forward.
Main components
First of all, there are AIS transponders that transmit essential information and without them, the system would not function properly, so we can say they are the lifeblood of AIS. These tools send information about the vessels’ location, speed, navigational state, etc. There are also AIS stations on land, which cover maritime activity in coastal or offshore locations. All of these components are important for gathering and processing AIS data, making it accessible for navigation, traffic control, environmental monitoring, and security.
What information is broadcasted?
The main purpose of AIS is to broadcast various information to ships that are around you. This information can be vital in many different situations. It broadcasts the identity of the ship and that is a code that every vessel must have, and by it, each vessel is identified. Of course, it transmits the position of the vessel. The course and speed are also vital to understanding where the ship will be and at what point. Also, it tells other ships whether it is anchored, moving, moored, or something else. One of the most important pieces of information it can send is whether there are any safety risks onboard. For example, if the vessel is facing navigational troubles or something else. Based on all that we have said, we can divide the information that is being sent into static and dynamic information. In the static category, we have the identity, type of vessel, and others, while in the dynamic group, we have the position, speed, and other information.
Important applications
AIS systems have many important applications, so we will try to list some of the major ones. First of all, accident prevention. AIS improves navigational safety as it helps prevent accidents thanks to real-time data on the vessels’ movements, which is very important in places with high traffic where the risk of such accidents is the greatest. Also, it is much easier to find lost vessels and organize rescue operations with the AIS data, as it helps to improve reaction times and overall results. Authorities also use AIS to enforce maritime legislation and protect marine ecosystems, as it can easily detect ships that carry dangerous products that can put marine life at risk. Finally, the AIS system has a great role in border control, surveillance, and the fight against piracy and smuggling.
Data access
When it comes to who can access the data that you are broadcasting, you should know that most of the data can be seen by all people. It is used for research, authorities, and many other things. Sensitive data like what you are carrying won’t be shown to anyone.
Is it mandatory to have one on your ship?
Depending on what size your ship is, you may need to have one onboard. The maritime authorities have mandated that ships that are big need to use these systems so that it is safer for them and for other people that are out there.
It helps avoid collisions
While you are at sea you need to make sure that you stay away from trouble as much as possible and one way you can achieve that is by getting devices onboard, which will help you avoid collisions with other vessels. Depending on the size of the vessels and their speed, the collision can have catastrophic consequences for the people involved. By having this device onboard, you will know where every nearby ship is located and you will be able to avoid them on time.
Safety
Since you are constantly sending information about your course, speed, and everything else, you are ensuring that the nearby ships know that it was you and where you went. This is important because if anything happens while you are out there, they will know where you were last spotted and they can quickly come to your rescue. Also, if someone gets lost, this device enables authorities to investigate where you have been and then try to find you.
Challenges
AIS technologies face huge challenges despite their many obvious benefits. First of all, making sure that the data they provide is accurate and complete is a job on its own. Hackers can attack this AIS data and purposefully change or fake it, which can have grave consequences on the overall industry. This is why these systems must have strong authentication and encryption methods. Another obstacle is the challenge of having complete coverage, especially in underserved marine areas. Implementation of better satellite AIS technology can help solve this problem and expand coverage around the world. Privacy issues come with making AIS data publicly available, as the constant broadcasting makes this information vulnerable. Authorities and industry stakeholders must work together to come up with effective and powerful solutions to overcome these challenges and enhance the efficacy and operation of AIS technology.
Modern marine operations cannot function properly without AIS technologies, so we can easily conclude how important they are. They make navigation on the oceans and seas faster and more efficient, and they are definitely must-have tools for maritime stakeholders all over the world.
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