AIS, short for Automatic Identification System, is an automated tracking system used by maritime vessels. Its purpose is to ensure safer tracking of ships at sea or in harbor. It operates by sending and receiving data through VHF radio frequencies and signals.
What information does AIS display?
AIS displays the identification details, technical specifications, capacity, and port of registry of the respective marine vessel. If the vessel is underway, it also shows the cargo it is carrying, the destination port, and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA). Additionally, marine beacons have specific AIS codes and can be displayed on charts.
How does AIS work?
AIS operates by sending signals through the assigned frequency range. It transmits signals at 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz frequencies. The signals are not audible and cannot be heard. On ships, received signals are transferred to maps as coordinates, speed, and time using AIS receivers and transmitters.
What is the coverage area of AIS?
The range of AIS depends on the transmitter's output power and antenna height. Additionally, VHF frequency is affected by weather conditions. A Type A AIS device has a power of 12.5 kW, allowing it to broadcast signals up to 20-25 nautical miles comfortably.
How many types of AIS are there?
There are two types of AIS devices: Type A and Type B. Type A is more powerful and can send data signals over longer distances.
Type A AIS has a power of 12.5 kW, whereas Type B AIS has a power of 2 kW.
Type A AIS can transmit data up to 25 nautical miles, while Type B AIS is effective at a range of 5-10 nautical miles. Some inexpensive AIS devices may only receive AIS signals from other vessels and not transmit their own vessel's information.
AIS broadcasts signals at intervals of 2-10 seconds while underway. For vessels at anchor, the AIS updates its signal every 3-4 minutes.
What are the benefits of an AIS device?
In times of limited visibility, AIS allows you to at least see all AIS-equipped vessels on your chartplotter onboard. It functions somewhat like radar data, but vessels without AIS cannot be detected. It operates as a mutual radar system.
AIS provides warnings in case of potential collisions.
It alerts nearby vessels in the event of distress and rescue requests.
In the event of an accident, the information stored in AIS memory can be used to investigate the cause.
As it continuously sends and receives data, AIS serves as a reliable communication tool.
AIS facilitates the management of maritime traffic.
It controls the entry of fishing vessels into restricted areas (if AIS devices are active).
It works as a boat tracking system, allowing remote monitoring of your vessel.
Is the Gemel GA-1 AIS device mandatory?
The Gemel GA-1 AIS Class B device is required to be registered on the ship's license.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, AIS devices are mandatory for the following vessels:
- All commercial ships and yachts carrying passengers, with a Gross Tonnage of 300 GRT or more.
- All commercial ships larger than 15 meters.
- All fishing vessels larger than 15 meters.
- All ships carrying cargo, regardless of size.
- Tugboats, pilot boats, and agency vessels.
- Search and rescue boats.
- All commercial vessels carrying more than 12 passengers.
AIS Class B system is mandatory for Gemel GA-1 AIS devices. The Gemel GA-1 AIS device complies with all international and Turkish Republic Maritime Affairs standards.
Comments