AIS-Automatic Identification Systems-are tools that were created to avoid collisions at sea. They basically tell us if you are on a collision course with some other boat. The instrument can monitor the routes of nearby vessels by indicating directly on the plotter, or on the instrument, their heading, speed and position.
How many types of AIS systems are there?
There are two types of AIS systems, divided into class A and B. The former includes apparatus suitable for use on ships and is equipped with a receiver and transmitter system. A license is required to operate it. Class A models are capable of transmitting at an adjustable power up to a maximum of 25 watts. Class B models, on the other hand, are suitable for recreational use.
How it works
It uses the vhf radio band to transmit position data, identification number (MMSI) such as that of the vhf radio’s Dsc, boat length, width, type of boat or ship, and navigation data, course and speed. This data is entered into the system during the first installation. All stored data are received by all boats that are within range of the VHF waves and are equipped with AIS equipment. The Vhf band is used because its waves are longer than those of radar and more powerful.
Class B for recreation.
As we have seen, class B models are suitable for recreational use and come in the form of small boxes (black boxes); they are installed on board, connecting them to the VHF and chartplotter in order to better view targets. Until recently, they were only receivers; however, a number of Class B models that include both receiving and transmitting functions have also recently come on the market.
There are many AIS receivers on the market, ranging in price from about 100 up to 500 euros or more (more expensive are devices that can also transmit). Among other things, some models allow a PC with a WiFi connection to be used for data visualization.
The data transmitted by the AIS
– Name and MMSI of neighboring boat
– Type of boat, whether ship, cargo (with possible cargo), sailing yacht or motor yacht
– collision storms
– broken
– velocities
– position
– bow angle
– tacking angle
FURUNO/ FA-170
The new IMO-approved AIS FA-170 Class-A has an improved and simpler user interface than the previous FA-150 and a new color LCD display. More compact than the FA-150, with less height and thickness, the FA-170 transponder features a new, more visible color LCD. DISCOVER MORE.
ACR / AIS LINK CLASS B
A compact, reliable, and easy-to-use system that is ideal for a wide range of recreational boats and to which it provides improved safety on board with AIS technology incorporated into the on-board instrumentation. DISCOVER MORE.
GARMIN / AIS 800 TRANSCEIVER
It allows you to display on your chartplotter the Class B/SO AIS data of surrounding vessels with all identifying information in addition to sending your own.With its 5-watt transmission power, it provides position data that is always up-to-date and accurate. The transmitted data are course, speed, and maximum target proximity (CPA – Closest Point of Approach). In this way, the chartplotter provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding maritime traffic to navigate safely.. DISCOVER MORE.
B&G / V 3100
The new B&G AIS V3100 Class B solution is designed to meet the needs of vessels operating in high-traffic areas. SOTDMA technology, as in the Class A models, and higher power output offer improved reliability and greater coverage range in an economical package designed for vessels that need superior performance to that offered by standard Class B AIS solutions. DISCOVER MORE.
RAYMARINE / AIS 700
Equipped with a RAIM GPS receiver, AIS700 connects to the boat’s multifunction displays using the latest NMEA2000 and SeaTalking protocols. With the “Ghost” mode in piracy-prone areas, it is possible to continue to receive information from surrounding vessels but hide one’s own. Equipped with the latest SO-TDMA connectivity for longer range and faster performance. DISCOVER MORE.
LORENZ ELETRONICS / AIS 3000 RT
The AIS 3000 RT module is an approved Class B transponder. It can be connected to all Lorenz plotters and also to others compatible with AIS. On the screen it shows the targets with all the data of the vessels, ferries, merchant and military ships around them. Being a transponder it is also able to communicate your data to other vessels. Lorenz also has the AIS 2000 RT model, which is receiver-only. That is, it allows one to “see,” but not to be seen. Obviously AIS receivers are less expensive than transponders that additionally transmit. DISCOVER MORE.
SEVENSTAR ELECTRONICS / 2RXPRO
It is a dual-channel AIS receiver. It is also equipped with NMEA 0183 and Usb port. It has two separate AIS receivers, each monitoring one channel only. This means that you do not run the risk of losing data in reception as can happen to single-channel models. The Usb port is for connecting it to the PC, so the targets will be visible on the computer. Alternatively, with NMEA 0183, you can connect it to the display of a plotter. The SevenStar range also includes a Class B transponder called SeaTraceR AIS. DISCOVER MORE.
VESPERMARINE / WatchMate VISION 2
Powered by smartAIS technology, Vision2 has safety features that can save lives. Get proactive alerts when you have potential collision situations, if your anchor drags, or if there is a man overboard situation. You can remotely control your transponder from anywhere on board with your smartphone, tablet or smartwatch via WiFi. Vision2’s new high-speed Wi-Fi allows up to eight devices to be connected simultaneously for greater flexibility. DISCOVER MORE.
NASA / AIS RADAR CLIPPER
This AIS module is a receiver and has two major advantages. It is very reasonably priced and works even though there is no chart plotter on board. It has, in fact, a dedicated display that reports targets in the mode similar to that of a radar screen. The only thing you have to connect to is, of course, a VHF antenna. DISCOVER MORE.
SEAANGEL /aIS FLARE
The smallest portable emergency device on the transmits on AIS 1 and AIS 2 frequencies. Emits emergency MOB signal, visible to all ships and vessels equipped with AIS receiver. It transmits the coordinates of the wearer’s position on the life raft every minute. Essential to have on board for the safety of all crew. DISCOVER MORE.
