AIS Adding New Quality to VTS Systems

摘要

In the foreseeable future Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) will be installed aboard all seagoing ships larger than 300 gt. These new devices broadcast at regular and short intervals data, by means of which the ship can be identified and tracked. Further data can be transmitted which are providing additional information on the ship's motion, navigational status, voyage and cargo. The transmissions can be received by every interested party having an appropriate receiver - at sea, as well as ashore. With these capabilities AIS adds a new information quality to the maritime traffic, relevant not only for ship/ship but also for VTS/ship interaction. This paper describes the genesis of the new systems and their operational and technical aspects. It continues with a discussion of their standard and extended applications and their - so far - unexploited potential. Where relevant, the results of R&D work and practical tests are mentioned.