AIS Update

January 15th, 2004 by JCB
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AIS UPDATE

As you aware I have been following the development and implementation of AIS with close interest and the units have been compulsory on new builds since July 2003 and on tankers during their first safety equipment survey following that date. This year will see a flurry of fitting to all vessels over 300grt prior to the December 2004 deadline. This rapid implementation of new and relatively untried technology represents the fastest introduction of a compulsory system ever to pass through the IMO and voices of caution have largely been ignored.

A Peculiar Problem!

In my previous articles (viewable on my website pilotmag.wpengine.com) I identified areas which I felt may cause problems in the future and some of these such as correlation of AIS and radar targets due to differing propagation media are becoming apparent, leading to software problems on integrated systems. One problem that I hadn’t envisaged, which was reported in a major feature in Fairplay magazine in September, was that the US Coast Guard (USCG) were currently not authorised to use one of the AIS channels (87) because that frequency had previously been sold off in a auction to a private company, MariTEL. At that time there was a stalemate in negotiations with MariTel who were requesting around $200 million in compensation for closing down their CH87 coastal infrastructure which was being developed to permit internet accessibility for small craft. The USCG, having insufficient funds to repurchase the frequency at that price were apparently accusing MariTEL of being unpatriotic! Intriguingly that article indicated that the matter was set to be resolved by the US Federal Communications Commission last November in an attempt to avoid lengthy and costly litigation. At the time of going to press the latest news is that the matter has not been resolved. MariTel have increased their compensation claim to $270 million and the case is heading to the courts!

The War on Terror?

Reflecting some of my own concerns there are some senior figures in the Maritime world now questioning the suitability of an open frequency AIS in a world on a heightened terrorist alert. It is widely acknowledged that with the vastly increased security in the airline industry, the next major terrorist attack could involve merchant shipping. The availability of vessels’ identities, tracking and cargo data to any person equipped with an AIS unit creates the potential to produce the very nightmare scenario that the US authorities are so desperately trying to avoid.

User Survey

Despite the recent introduction of AIS the Tees and Southampton pilots undertook a survey in July for presentation at the AIS Seminar hosted by the Nautical Institute last September. The complete results of this survey are on the magazine website (pilotmag.wpengine.com) but the basic findings were that shipowners are wary of large investment in the technology until they have had a chance to monitor its effectiveness. The Tees / Southampton survey revealed integration as per the following pie chart.

As to Masters’ and watch keepers views 84% were positive but the perceived usefulness of the equipment was in the identification of other shipping in order to establish VHF contact!

The survey also confirmed my own observations that no Master or officer has received any formal training in the use and function of AIS but 42% of the survey’s respondents had considered the instruction manual and installation technician’s information sufficient.

Feedback Required

In a separate and unique initiative being coordinated by the Nautical Institute, the

manufacturers of AIS units, in recognition of the embryonic nature of AIS, are seeking feedback from mariners in order to identify any unforeseen technical problems to enable them to improve performance in future units. Pilots are amongst the best placed to identify shortcomings on the large variety of ships that they serve and by the nature of their operating in congested waters and in close proximity to other vessels. This is a rare chance for pilots to enhance their professional reputations and influence the development of technology. Participation is important and reports should be sent via the dedicated “AIS Forum” section of the NI website at:

www.nautinst.org/ais/index.htm