FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

on

Automatic Identification Systems ( AIS)

Content

• General FAQ’s (US related)
• General FAQ’s (as identified by IALA)
• ACR Nauticast product related FAQ’s

General FAQ’s (US related)

• What is the Automatic Identification System (AIS)?
• What types of information is available with the AIS and what are the advantages of installing it?
• How will the Automatic Identification System help to increase security?
• How much will the AIS cost?
• What is the AIS Rule?
• When do AIS regulations become effective?
• Who is affected by the AIS Rule?
• When must the AIS be installed on vessels?
• When must AIS be in operation?
• Does the installation of the Automatic Identification System require additional equipment in order for the AIS to operate properly?
• Will it be necessary to have electronic navigational charts for use with the Automatic Identification System?
• If a fishing vessel has a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), is that an acceptable substitute for the AIS?
• Are there alternatives to the Automatic Identification System rule for small businesses?
• Is the Coast Guard considering requiring the Automatic Identification System for domestic voyages outside of VTS areas?

What is the Automatic Identification System (AIS)?

·         Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) technology relies upon global navigational positioning systems, shipboard sensors, and digital VHF radio communication equipment operating according to standardized digital communication protocols that permit the voiceless exchange of navigation information between vessels and shore-side vessel traffic centers. The information is continually updated in near real-time and received by all AIS-equipped ships and shore stations in its vicinity.

What types of information is made available by the Automatic Identification System and what are the advantages of installing the AIS?

·         The AIS provides mariners with accurate navigation information, such as:

• Static Information—Vessel call sign, name, IMO identification number, dimensions, type;
• Voyage-Related Information—Draft, cargo type, destination, and estimated time of arrival; and
• Dynamic Information—Time in universal time, coordinated, latitude/longitude position, course over ground, speed over ground, heading, rate of turn, navigational status.

·         In addition, shore stations will be able to relay pertinent navigational data from other sources, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Physical Oceanographic Real Time System (PORTS) and U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Centers. The advantage of an automatic and continuous exchange of information is that all can access it and since it is digital data, software can be modified to the mariner’s requirements by the manufacturer thus reducing the need for voice radio exchanges.
In addition, the AIS enhances the mariner’s situational awareness, permits more effective and reliable passing arrangements, and provides the Coast Guard with a comprehensive and informative traffic image and maritime domain awareness not possible with radar or video surveillance alone.

How will the Automatic Identification System help to increase security?

·         The Coast Guard believes that the AIS will improve security by increasing the Coast Guard’s awareness of vessels in the maritime domain, especially vessels approaching U.S. ports. The AIS corroborates and provides identification and position of vessels not always possible through voice radio communication or radar alone.

How much will the Automatic Identification System cost?

·         An approved AIS can range in price between $2500 and $5000, not including installation cost which will vary considerably depending on the level of integration of the AIS with other shipboard systems (e.g. radar, speed log, rate of turn indicator, navigation positioning system, ECDIS, etc.)

What is the Automatic Identification System (AIS) Rule?

·         The U.S. Coast Guard has developed rules applicable to both U.S. and foreign-flag vessels that require owners and operators of most commercial vessels to install and use the AIS. The AIS rule is part of our domestic and international effort to increase the security and safety of maritime transportation.

When do AIS regulations become effective?

·         AIS Regulations became effective November 21, 2003. All vessels required to have an AIS as denoted in 33 CFR § 164.46(a), must have a USCG 'type-approved' and 'properly installed' AIS on the vessel no later than December 31, 2004.

Who is affected by the Automatic Identification System Rule?

·         Owners and operators of U.S. or foreign-flagged vessels in commercial service who meet the applicability provisions are affected. Generally these include:

• Vessels on international voyages that are:
• Self-propelled commercial vessels of 65 feet or more in length, other than fishing vessels and passenger vessels.
• Tankers.
• Passenger vessels that are over 150 gross register tons.
• Vessels, other than passenger vessels or tankers, over 300 gross tons.
• Vessels operating within U.S. Vessel Traffic Service or a Vessel Movement Reporting System area denoted in 33 CFR 161, that are:
• Self-propelled commercial vessels of 65 feet or more in length, other than fishing vessels and small passenger vessels certificated to carry 150 or fewer passengers.
• Towing vessels of 26 feet or more in length and more that 600 horsepower.
• Passenger vessels, regardless of size, certificated to carry more than 150 passengers for hire.

·         The terms herewith are as defined in 46 USC 2101, unless noted in 33 CFR § 164.46. Note: the term fishing vessels does not include fish processors or tender vessels. See 33 CFR, Part 164.46.

When must the Automatic Identification System be installed on vessels?

·         Vessels on international voyage must install the AIS as specified in the SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.4 implementation schedule adopted by the International Maritime Organization, but, no later than 31 December 2004; as do vessels on domestic voyage within a U.S. Vessel Movement Reporting System or Vessel Traffic Service Area.

When must AIS be in operation?

·         Vessels equipped with AIS (either by mandatory carriage or voluntarily) must abide by the requirements set forth in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, §§ 164.46 and 161.20, and should especially ensure their AIS is in 'effective operating condition’, which entails the continuous operation of AIS and the accurate input and upkeep of AIS data fields during all times that the vessel is navigating (underway or at anchor). Should continual operation of AIS compromise the safety or security of the vessel or where a security incident is imminent, the AIS may be switched off. This action and the reason for taking it must be reported to the nearest U.S. Captain of the Port or Vessel Traffic Center and recorded in the ship's logbook. The AIS should return to continuous operation as soon as the source of danger has been mitigated.

Does the installation of the Automatic Identification System require additional equipment in order for the AIS to operate properly?

·         Maybe. Most AIS do not need additional equipment (sensors) in order to operate; a few however, do require interfacing with an external global navigation positioning device (e.g. dGPS, GPS, GLONASS) in order to accurately calculate and broadcast position, course, and speed--thus requiring this equipment to properly operate. Although not required for the operation of AIS, Chapter V, Regulation 19 of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), as stated in 33 CFR § 164.46(a)(2), does require certain vessels--those on international voyage--to also interface other onboard equipment (i.e. transmitting heading device, gyro, rate of turn indicator) to the AIS; domestic vessels, not on international voyage, are not currently required to do so, however are highly recommended to.

Will it be necessary to have electronic navigational charts for use with the Automatic Identification System?

·         Eventually. Section 410 of the Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-293) directs the Coast Guard to prescribe regulations that will require most commercial vessels "while operating on the navigable waters of the United States...be equipped with and operate an electronic chart system (ECS)"; and, that this system be integrated with AIS. A rulemaking implementing this additional requirement is in development and is expected to be published later this year (2006). Till these regulations are finalized, AIS is not required to be displayed on an ECS or other external display system; although it is highly recommended. The full benefits of AIS are only achieved when it is fully integrated and displayed on other shipboard navigation systems (e.g. Electronic Charts Data & Information System (ECDIS), ECS, Radar, Automatic Radar Plotting Aide (ARPA), Tracking Devices, personal software, etc.).

If a fishing vessel has a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that provides vessel identification and location data, is the VMS an acceptable substitute for the AIS?

·   No, it is not. The AIS and VMS are not inter-operable, each uses different communication systems, protocols, and, reporting rates that make them incompatible.

Are there alternatives to the Automatic Identification System rule for small businesses?

·     No, there are no special provisions or alternatives in the AIS rules for small businesses.

Is the US Coast Guard considering requiring the Automatic Identification System for domestic voyages outside of VTS areas?

• Yes. The Coast Guard announced its AIS regulatory intent through a Public Notice Request for Comments and conducted a series of public meetings in New Orleans, La, New Bedford, MA and Seattle, WA requesting the public’s input on how to expand AIS carriage.

General FAQ’s (as identified by IALA)

• How can the AIS assist the Radar?
• How does the master know that his AIS unit is working properly?
• Can I send a letter to my agent?
• Is a vessel permitted to sail without an operational AIS equipment?
• Why do AIS messages not include the rudder angle?
• Can I display the AIS targets on my existing onboard radar?
• How are ARPA and AIS vectors distinguished on a common onboard display?
• Can I connect my old GPS to the AIS?
• What is the accuracy of information provided?
• Will AIS become a recognised anti-collision device?
• Is there an alarm to indicate that the AIS unit is not powered on?
• Under what circumstances is it allowed to switch off the AIS?
• Is the AIS data stored somewhere?
• For what purposes will the stored or recorded data be used?
• Are naval ships required to fit AIS transponders?
• Why is VHF as a transmission medium for AIS used, rather than radar?
• What are the differences between AIS Class A transponders and AIS Class B transponders?
• Should the non-SOLAS maritime community wait for the development of Class B, particularly if it will cost less?
• Why does a vessel with a sophisticated ECDIS or ECS need to carry a minimum keyboard & display?
• Will non-SOLAS vessels be required to carry a Minimum Keyboard and Display (MKD) as an AIS display device?
• Is the MKD intended as a navigation device?
• How are GPS and chart datum collocated?
• What methods are available to prevent misuse of AIS data?
• How is AIS derived data controlled?
• How is the AIS data limited to safety information?
• Is there a limit on the scope and content of AIS messages?
• Will AIS messaging grow to include for commercial need?
• How do we detect/prevent transmission of false messages?
• Should AIS data be integrated on the same display as other sensors information in a VTS?
• Can I get DGNSS corrections over the AIS link?
• How is meteorological/hydrological information displayed?
• Is there any calibration (regular/frequent/interval/initial) of the AIS equipment required?
• Is AIS mandatory for inland waterways?
• Should I use certified equipment?

Will AIS replace Radar?

• No.  There always will be ships without AIS onboard.  Radar detects targets independent of the targets onboard-equipment.

How can the AIS assist the Radar?

• In addition to radar, AIS has following benefits:

- Automatic and immediate vessel identification

- Improved vessel tracking (no track swap)

- Wider geographical coverage

- Greater positional accuracy

- Absence of radar shadow area

- Real time manoeuvring data

How does the master know that his AIS unit is working properly?

• Other than a power loss the proper operation and information validity requires a verification from another AIS station.

Can I send a letter to my agent?

• AIS is mainly for monitoring other ships and allows only the transmission of safety related messages on AIS designated frequencies.

Is a vessel permitted to sail without an operational AIS equipment?

• It depends on regulations of  the national maritime administrations (port state control).  According to SOLAS Ch.V Reg.16 the vessel is allowed to proceed to a port where repairs can be carried out.

Why do AIS messages not include the rudder angle?

• It is deliberately avoided to send the rudder angle.  This information does not give an accurate indication of the actual path of the vessel.

NOTE:

The rudder is just a tool to get the ship to start a turn.  Due to shallow water, constellation of propellers, one or two rudders, open or closed skegg, dynamically stable or unstable ship as well as wind direction, the rudder angle could be very ambiguous.  E.g. a dynamically unstable ship turning to SB could e.g. need 10 degrees port to avoid a ship to turn fast to starboard.  If the rudder angle was sent on the AIS it could confuse an observer an another ship or ashore.

Can I display the AIS targets on my existing onboard radar?

• Type approved AIS-capable radars do not exist yet.  Manufacurers are the best source of information on this burgeoning state of the art.

How are ARPA and AIS vectors distinguished on a common onboard display?

• Using appropriate symbology.

Can I connect my old GPS to the AIS?

• The GPS connected to the AIS must fulfill the IMO performance standard.  It means inter alia that the output from the GPS must be in WGS 84 and that there is no dead reckoning of the position.

What is the accuracy of information provided?

• The accuracy of nautical information, as position, speed etc., depends on the accuracy of the sensors used.  There is an indication about the accuracy transmitted by AIS.  Further data accuracy, as voyage related data, depends on the accuracy this data is typed in.

Will AIS become a recognised anti-collision device?

• This would introduce the question of revising the collision regulations, which would be a lengthy process.  That is likely after vessels´ officers are trained in using it in conjunction with COLREG.

Is there an alarm to indicate that the AIS unit is not powered on?

• Depends on the onboard installation.

Under what circumstances is it allowed to switch off the AIS?

• Where the master believes it is necessary for the safety of the crew and/or the vessel and/or the cargo.

Is the AIS data stored somewhere?

• Ashore this is a matter for national administrations.

Onboard it depends on the equipment installed.

For what purposes will the stored or recorded data be used?

• Accident investigation, traffic monitoring, planning and optimising, statistics.

Are naval ships required to fit AIS transponders?

• No.  They are outside the SOLAS Convention, but Administrations may dictate naval vessel use of AIS.

Why is VHF as a transmission medium for AIS used, rather than radar?

• The secondary radar option (used by aviation) was rejected by the radar manufacturers, because it was thought it would add too much cost to the radar installations on ships.

What are the differences between AIS Class A transponders and AIS Class B transponders?

• Class B is intended to be a simpler, less expensive version for the use on non-SOLAS vessels.

Should the non-SOLAS maritime community wait for the development of Class B, particularly if it will cost less?

• Class B is intended primarily for recreational crafts.  It will be determined by Administrations whether non-SOLAS vessels are required to carry Class A or Class B AIS equipment.

Why does a vessel with a sophisticated ECDIS or ECS need to carry a minimum keyboard & display?

• Because type-approved ECDIS/ECS with AIS capabilities do not exist yet.

Will non-SOLAS vessels be required to carry a Minimum Keyboard and Display (MKD) as an AIS display device?

• Regulations for non-SOLAS vessels are a matter for Administrations.

Is the MKD intended as a navigation device?

• No.

How are GPS and chart datum collocated?

• AIS co-ordinates are in WGS-84, the co-ordinate system used by GPS.

What methods are available to prevent misuse of AIS data?

• This is a matter for Administrations to police.

How is AIS derived data controlled?

• This is a matter for Administrations.

How is the AIS data limited to safety information?

• ITU-R recommendation M.1371-1 limits AIS transmission on AIS designated channels to maritime safety related messages.

Is there a limit on the scope and content of AIS messages?

• Some messages are defined; others have limited capacity for text content.

Will AIS messaging grow to include for commercial need?

• That is likely; however, commercial messages cannot be transmitted on designated, safety related frequencies, e.g. AIS1 and AIS2.

How do we detect/prevent transmission of false messages?

• This is a matter for national administrations to police.

Should AIS data be integrated on the same display as other sensors information in a VTS?

• Yes, all sensor information ought to be integrated on a single display.

Can I get DGNSS corrections over the AIS link?

• Yes, if Administration decides to do so, the message structure and technical approach are defined.

How is meteorological/hydrological information displayed?

• There are prototype ways to display, a message structure is being proposed to IMO.

Is there any calibration (regular/frequent/interval/initial) of the AIS equipment required?

• No.

Is AIS mandatory for inland waterways?

• This is a matter for Administrations.

Should I use certified equipment?

• Yes, to comply with the international standard’s approval use the certified equipment from ACR Electronics.

ACR Nauticast product related FAQ’s

• AIS Training
• AIS Alarm Codes, causes and system reactions
• How to Flash the ACR Nauticast (X-Pack DS)
• Region Settings
• Reading out the Software Version of your ACR Nauticast (X-Pack DS)
• NMEA Versions
• Additional Information about connections to ACR Nauticast (X-Pack DS)
• Pinout of the 50Pin AIS Connector
• AIS lost configuration / Default Settings – Backup Battery

Is there any AIS Training available?

·         Yes, ACR offers training on demand with certificates for participants.

How to flash new Software to the ACR Nauticast (X-Pack DS)

The Flash Equipment for the ACR Nauticast (X-Pack DS) consists of:

·         CD-ROM

o        Software

o        Flasher Documentation

·         Flash-Cable (24V/DC power connector and RS232 Interface cable to the PC)

If you don’t have this Flash Equipment available, please contact the Technical Support at:

ACR Electronics Europe GmbH
Handelskai 388 / Top 632
A-1070 Vienna, Austria
T          0043-1-5 237 237-240
F          0043-1-5 237 237-150
M         technical.support@acr-europe.com
W         www.acr-europe.com

Before you start the flash process ensure that you have the latest software available (refer to the reseller section at www.acr-europe.com).

Region Settings

Additional to our User Document Page 48 you have to pay attention that:

·         A region will be stored for 5 Weeks!

·         A region should not be smaller than 20 nautical miles but not larger than 200 nautical miles

·         A region has to be in your area. This means not more than 500Nm away.

Refer to the test data below (i.e. an Austrian region)

1          North East Position Latitude

1          North East Position Longitude

2          South West Position Latitude

2          South West Position Longitude

Mention: point 2 must be in South West position from point 3

3          TrZone ist the Transitional Zone. There are two Transitional Zones,
one inside and one outside the border of the defined zone.

Much more about region settings you can find in the AIS IALA Guidelines. If you have more as one zone then you have to fix one border. It is not allowed to overlap (also not the Transitional Zone)

Reading out the Software Version of your ACR Nauticast (X-Pack DS)

To read out the Software Version of your ACR Nauticast (X-Pack DS) press "Menu" at the Standard Screen.

Press "2" for "2. AIS Status":

Press "6" for "6. Version Info" to read out the data below.

NMEA 0183 Version Overview