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AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a system used in shipping to identify ships, including their coordinates, heading, speed and other information (type of vessel, technical characteristics, country of registry, etc.). In recent years, instead of decoding "Automatic Identification System", the combination "Automatic Information System" is increasingly used, since the functions and capabilities of AIS have become much wider than conventional object recognition over time.
The principle of operation of AIS is based on determining the coordinates, direction of movement and speed of the vessel according to satellite constellations (GPS, Galileo, etc.). Recorded information is received and transmitted between water transport objects (ships and coastal infrastructure) in the range of ultrashort radio waves. To do this, you need to have on board radio navigation equipment operating at frequencies of 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz. Communication with the ground is maintained using AIS base stations. Together, this allows for control in the ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore directions, preventing collisions. The AIS system serves as a source of data for ship traffic control centers and rescue services.
According to the requirements of the international convention for the safety of life at sea SOLAS 74/88, the AIS system must be installed on ships of over 300 gross tonnage cruising international waters, on ships of over 500 gross tonnage not engaged in international voyages, and on all passenger courts.
These categories of ships are also called conventional and must be equipped with Class A AIS equipment. Among the requirements for such equipment is the presence of a keyboard and display.
On non-conventional vessels (vessels of smaller gross tonnage, pleasure yachts, fishing vessels and a number of others), AIS class B equipment is more often installed, which is simpler in execution and differs in some characteristics.
Messages transmitted in the AIS system are divided into three types according to their structure and data transmission intervals:
- Static information - every 6 minutes.
MMSI identification number, IMO international maritime number, radio call sign, name, type and dimensions of the craft.
- Dynamic information - from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, based on the mode of movement, change of speed and course.
- Coordinates (latitude and longitude), UTC time, navigation status, true heading and navigation angle, real speed, roll and pitch angle, rate of turn and other radio navigation information.
Flight information - every 6 minutes.
Destination and time of arrival (ETA), draft of the ship, class and category of cargo, number of people on board, as well as individual messages that ensure the safety of transportation.
The information recorded and transmitted by the AIS is publicly available. The system helps to solve not only the problems of ensuring safety on waterways, but also to evaluate traffic, monitor own and other ships, and control the fulfillment of orders.
Transas is one of the leaders in this equipment.
