U.S. Coast Guard begins testing synthetic aids, virtual buoys

摘要

The U.S. Coast Guard has begun to test automatic identification system (AIS) aids to navigation, including virtual buoys, on the West Coast as the first step toward introducing them around the country. The pilot project, while promising many benefits to mariners, is raising some concerns about whether the training of pilots and watchstanders will be sufficient to handle the new technology. And there are questions about whether the system will be secure from hackers. AIS is the internationally adopted radio communication system that allows autonomous and continuous exchange of navigation-safety messages between vessels, aircraft, shore stations and aids to navigation (ATON). AIS ATON stations broadcast their identity with a nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, position and status at least every three minutes.