Understanding the Automatic Identification System: A Comprehensive Overview

Posted on May 11, 2024 at 10:05 PM

The safety of navigation and vessel movement in the maritime industry is vital, thus the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) made the installation of an automatic identification system (AIS) a mandatory rule.

The AIS or automatic identification system allows ships and onshore stations to know the situation and position of other vessels which boosts situational awareness, helps avoid collisions, supports maritime law enforcement activities, and increases safety even in high seas.

In this article, we are going to share with you developed information about the maritime automatic identification system (AIS), how the device works, AIS automatic identification system types, and the key components of AIS automatic tracking and operating.

What Is the Maritime Automatic Identification System (AIS)?

The AIS is an automatic identification system that is installed in ships and vessels to monitor and track their marine location and movement and exchange similar collected data with other vessels and onshore port stations and authorities. 

Additionally, the automated AIS application is mandatory for large commercial boats, fishing ships, container shipping vessels, and all types of ships working on the international seaway. 

In other words, the maritime AIS is an automatic tracking system that continuously broadcasts real-time data and communications among vessels with AIS receivers, this includes the vessel identity (via its Maritime Mobile Service Identity or MMSI number), ship position, course, class, speed, and other relevant data.

Thus, the installation of an automatic identification system (AIS) on vessels and ships is considered one of the best dynamic practices for enhancing maritime safety and tracking.

How Does the Vessel Automatic Identification System (AIS) Work? 

Mainly the vessel automatic identification system (AIS) works by using VHF radio frequencies to transmit and receive identification data between equipped ships and shore-based stations about traffic static, navigation terms, and positions. 

However, that is done through different transiting operations to guarantee safety and security positional tracking, including:

• Onboard Transponders: these devices are included in all AIS ships and coastal base stations, and contain VHF transceivers to continuously and automatically collect and broadcast automatic identification system (AIS) data about the vessel's identity, position, trajectory, speed, and other basic data.

• Data Transmission: The shipboard transponder broadcasts AIS data messages based on international standards at regular pauses, typically every few seconds for vessels on the sea and less frequently for inactive vessels. 

• Data Processing: Upon receiving automatic identification system (AIS) messages, vessels and shore-based stations process the information to display real-time vessel data allowing mariners to monitor and locate nearby vessel traffic, avoid collision, and make informed navigational decisions.

• Integration with Other Systems: Automatic identification system data could be integrated with other maritime systems, such as radar services and ship traffic management systems, to provide an even better situational awareness level and enhance maritime safety and efficiency.

What Are the Three Types of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)?

The automatic identification systems are divided into three types or categories based on the width range and frequency of data exchange: 

• AIS Class A: 

Automatic identification system class A transponders are mandated by the IMO for ships and vessels over a certain size or engaged in global voyages. 

These identification automatic systems provide more detailed information for collision avoidance and vessel and ship tracking because they transmit data at higher power and update more frequently compared to Class B transponders.

• AIS Class B: 

Automatic identification system class B transponders are typically used by smaller vessels and ships that are not required to carry Class A transponders. 

However, although they transmit at lower power and update less frequently than automatic identification class A transponders yet they still can boost situational awareness and prevent collision for ships.

• AIS Base Station: 

Automatic identification system base stations are coast-based installations that receive AIS signals from vessels and spread this information to other ships, shore stations, and satellite systems. 

According to the best maritime safety training courses in London, these automatic identification system (AIS) stations are necessary because they play a vital role in monitoring vessel traffic, supporting navigation, and enhancing maritime safety and security.

The Unique Components of Automatic Identification System (AIS):

So, as you know the AIS is an automatic vessel tracking system, and to help you understand the AIS tracking operation better, we are going to share with you the basic included components of the AIS vessel:

• GNSS Receiver: 

This ship component receives signals from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to provide an accurate positioning dataset and locating data from other AIS ships. 

• DSC VHF Receiver: 

The Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF receiver enables the ship crew to receive urgent calls and other safety-related messages from other ships or shore stations. 

• AIS VHF Antenna: 

The AIS VHF antenna is specifically designed to transmit and receive AIS data over VHF radio frequencies. It ensures reliable communication between the AIS transponder and other vessels or shore-based stations, enabling the exchange of critical vessel information for collision avoidance and safer navigation.

• Built-in Integrity Test (BIIT): 

This feature can identify any potential errors or malfunctions in the AIS transponder immediately through self-tests to ensure the proper functioning and maintain high accuracy of AIS data transmission and reception.

• Minimum Keyboard and Display (MKD): 

The MKD is the basic interface for configuring and monitoring the AIS transponder. Moreover, it allows users to input vessel-specific information, check system status, and access essential automatic identification system settings.

Eventually,

The use of automatic identification systems (AIS) is increasing yearly among vessels and ships to boost safety and navigation efficiency on all levels.

Thus, considering the integration of the AIS system will for sure help you improve the safety of your ship or vessel, improve cargo delivery, and as a result boost your revenue.