AIS

Why Boaters Need The Automatic

Identification

System

What is AIS

• Electronic Tool

–"See” & identify nearby vessels even when view is blocked

• Mandatory for 300T+

What is AIS

• Uses VHF Radio signals

• 15 mile range

What is AIS

Sees over hills

What is AIS

Lists vessel’s details vessels

• Name

• Speed

• Heading

• Bearing from your boat

• Location

What is AIS

Two Types

• Transmit & Receive

• Receive Only

What is AIS

Two Types

• Transmit & Receive

• Receive Only

Katy Leigh 9 mphFreighter 20 mph

FOG

MoonstruckMoonstruck Sept 30, 2011Rolled over and sank on a Tenn-Tom Waterway Bend

Not the actual boat

Tow

Moonstruck

TowMoonstruck

What is AIS

Would AIS have saved Moonstruck?

Other Tenn-Tom Bends are more treacherous

Tennessee River Below Ditto Landing

AIS Etiquette

Turn off transmitter when not needed!

• In harbor

• When not underway

AIS Etiquette

Turn off transmitter when not needed!

• In harbor

• When not underway

• When following another boat

AIS Etiquette

Learn how to turn off transmitter

• Not easy

• No power switch

• Units are inaccessible

• Some controlled by computer software

• May have to use circuit breaker

AIS Etiquette

•Test with another boat

AIS vs RADAR

If I already have Radar do I need an AIS receiver?

AIS vs RADAR

AIS

• Shows name

• Shows details

• Sees over hills

• Vessel must transmit

• Not rain sensitive

Radar

• Shows blob only

• Shows only line of site objects

• Shows buoys

• Shows all vessels with or without AIS

• Rain clutter

Buying an AIS

Three types

• Class A – for 300T+

–Expensive $4,500

–Transmit & Receive

• Class B – for small vessels

–$900

– Transmit & Receive

• Receive only

–$300

Buying an AIS

Integrated VHF Radio

• NMEA 183 to chartplotter or computer

Buying an AIS

VHF Radio with AIS

Buying an AIS

Compatible Chartplotter/Computer

• Connect module via NMEA0183 cable

• Connect power to module

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