AIS System: How it Works and Why it is Needed in Shipping
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is widely used today to ensure safety and maintain operational efficiency on waterways. For many vessels, the installation of AIS is mandatory.
AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a system used in shipping for the identification of vessels, including their coordinates, course, speed, and obtaining other information (vessel type, technical specifications, flag state, etc.). In recent years, the term "Automatic Identification System" has been increasingly replaced with the combination "Automatic Information System" since the functions and capabilities of AIS have expanded beyond simple object recognition.
The principle of AIS operation is based on determining the vessel's coordinates, direction of movement, and speed using satellite constellations data (GPS, Galileo, etc.). The recorded information is received and transmitted between water transport objects (ships and shore infrastructure) using ultra-high-frequency radio waves. To accomplish this, radio navigation equipment operating at frequencies of 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz is required on board. Communication with the shore is maintained through AIS base stations. This enables control in both "ship-to-ship" and "ship-to-shore" directions, helping to prevent collisions. The AIS system serves as a data source for vessel traffic management 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 mandatory installed on vessels with a gross tonnage of over 300 operating in international waters, vessels with a gross tonnage of over 500 not engaged in international voyages, and all passenger vessels.
These specified vessel categories are also referred to as conventional vessels and must be equipped with Class A AIS equipment. Requirements for such equipment include the presence of a keyboard and display.
Non-conventional vessels (vessels with lower tonnage, recreational yachts, fishing vessels, and several others) often install Class B AIS equipment, which is simpler in design and differs in certain characteristics.
The messages transmitted within the AIS system are divided into three types based on their structure and data transmission intervals:
Static Information - transmitted every 6 minutes.
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, International Maritime Organization (IMO) number, call sign, vessel name, type, and dimensions.
Dynamic Information - transmitted every 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the vessel's movement, changes in speed, and course.
Coordinates (latitude and longitude), UTC time, navigation status, true heading and course over ground, actual speed, roll and pitch angles, rate of turn, and other radio navigation information.
Voyage Information - transmitted every 6 minutes.
Destination and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), vessel draft, cargo class and category, number of people on board, as well as specific messages ensuring transportation safety.
The information recorded and transmitted by AIS is publicly accessible. The system not only helps address safety concerns on waterways but also enables traffic assessment, monitoring of own and other vessels, and order fulfillment control.
These specified vessel categories are also referred to as conventional vessels and must be equipped with Class A AIS equipment. Requirements for such equipment include the presence of a keyboard and display.
Non-conventional vessels (vessels with lower tonnage, recreational yachts, fishing vessels, and several others) often install Class B AIS equipment, which is simpler in design and differs in certain characteristics.
The messages transmitted within the AIS system are divided into three types based on their structure and data transmission intervals:
Static Information - transmitted every 6 minutes.
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, International Maritime Organization (IMO) number, call sign, vessel name, type, and dimensions.
Dynamic Information - transmitted every 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the vessel's movement, changes in speed, and course.
Coordinates (latitude and longitude), UTC time, navigation status, true heading and course over ground, actual speed, roll and pitch angles, rate of turn, and other radio navigation information.
Voyage Information - transmitted every 6 minutes.
Destination and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), vessel draft, cargo class and category, number of people on board, as well as specific messages ensuring transportation safety.
The information recorded and transmitted by AIS is publicly accessible. The system not only helps address safety concerns on waterways but also enables traffic assessment, monitoring of own and other vessels, and order fulfillment control.