( AIS

Transmission System )
 What is AIS ?
AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. It was introduced by the
IMO (International Maritime Organization) to improve safety in the
maritime traffic. All ships equipped with AIS transponders exchange
their current movement data such as position, course and speed as well
as other additional information via the VHF channels 87B and 88B.
In professional shipping, the system is already part of the equipment
requirements for SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea).

What is the purpose of AIS? 

AIS is a shipboard VHF broadcast system that transmits and receives
information pertinent to safe navigation of ships and to enhance port
security. The data may be shown on the AIS display or Radar/ECDIS
equipment. Shore stations (VTS) will eventually have AIS and will be
able to coordinate and control AIS channel assignments.

How does AIS work?

 Each AIS system consists of one VHF transmitter, two VHF TDMA
receivers, one VHF DSC receiver, and a communications link (IEC
61162/NMEA 0183) to shipboard display and sensor systems. Static and
dynamic Navigational data is sent via VHF from ship to ship using
SOTDMA. Position and timing information is normally received from
an internal or external global navigation satellite system (e.g. GPS)
receiver, including a DGPS receiver for precise position in coastal and
inland waters. Other information broadcast by the AIS, if available, is
electronically obtained from shipboard equipment through standard
marine data connections.

What type of data needs to be entered into the AIS system by the
operator?
 MMSI number, call sign, ship’s name, etc. must be entered when the
unit is first installed. Voyage data, such as destination, crew size and
cargo are entered before starting a voyage. Users may enter short safety-
related messages as needed.

What sensors must be connected to AIS?

 For IMO SOLAS class ships, the AIS system should have ship’s
position, course over ground, speed over ground and heading. Rate of
turn must be input if it is available. (R-O-T data is voluntary, if it is not
available on the vessel.) Ship’s position, course over ground and speed
over ground should be supplied from an IMO compliant GPS receiver.
Heading should be supplied from gyrocompass. For vessels required to
carry AIS due to the Maritime Security Act of 2002, contact your local
USCG Marine Safety Office for the latest information on AIS
regulations.

What is the purpose of the AIS system’s internal DSC capability? 

In an area where an AIS channel is not found, the DSC will be used to
communicate with VTS stations to determine the appropriate frequency
to be used as an alternate AIS channel.

Are there any special power supply requirements? 

Yes. IMO regulations state that AIS should be connected to emergency
power.

Are both internal and external GPS necessary for AIS?

  For vessels mandated to carry AIS by the IMO, an external GPS input is
required. The internal GPS is used as a clock for UTC for
synchronization, and the external GPS is necessary as the sensor for L/L,
COG and SOG dynamic data. For vessels in the U.S. required to carry
AIS due to the U.S. Maritime Security Act of 2002, contact your Local
USCG Marine Safety Office for the latest information on U.S. AIS
regulations.

Should Differential GPS be used?

 It may be used, but is not required by the IMO. Some authorities (i.e.
The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation) recommend
transmitting DGPS data by AIS.

 Do all ships transmit AIS data ?

For vessels on international voyages AIS is mandatory from the
registered tonnage (RT) of 300. For vessels on national voyages it is
mandatory from 500 RT. For passenger ships the regulation is as
follows:

International voyages:
 All passenger ships and all other ships with registered tonnage >300 RT
since 2004

National voyages:
 All passenger ships and all other ships with registered tonnage >500
until 1. July, 2008.

 What kind of information is transmitted over AIS ?

Vessel name, callsign, MMSI number (user ID), IMO number, position,
course over ground, speed over ground, true heading, rate of turn,
length, beam, draught, type of vessel, navigational status, destination
and estimated time of arrival.
 
1. Static Information:   
IMO Nummer (if available)   
Name   
Callsign   
Dimensions (length, beam, reference point)   
Type of ship
 
2. Dynamic Information:   
Current Position   
Time in UTC when the position was measured   
Course over ground   
Speed over ground   
true heading   
Navigational Status (e.g. restricted manoeuvrability)   
Rate of turn
 
3. Voyage specific information:   
Draught   
Type of cargo   
Destination port and estimated time of arrival   
Route plan (optional)