AIS is an extremely flexible technology that gives many benefits to mariners. Aside from the safety benefits offered, AIS is fun to use and allows you to track other vessels.

Benefits of AIS include:

Anti Collision

AIS is able to identify potential collisions by plotting the heading and speed of vessels within range.  Using this information, a live map of the area is constructed, identifying potential collisions and warning mariners so they can make course adjustments.

Security

AIS aids national security by identifying threats to a sovereign border before they reach dry land. Working with radar, AIS identifies ships using AIS; whilst radar identifies vessels that don't have the system and may be potential targets.

 

Efficiency

Monitoring port traffic allows efficient transfer of vessels between harbours and the sea. It also identifies potential accidents within the port and identification of berths for ships entering the port.

 

Fun

AIS enhances the fun aspect of boating. AIS sends vessel identification details as part of the AIS messages, allowing easy identification of friends, spotting what vessels are in your environment and also direct ship to ship communication as the DSC details are transmitted.

 

Communications

Ship to ship communication is improved using AIS technology. A vessel's DSC details are included in AIS transmissions which enable direct communications with another ship. This reduces the need for using VHF and sending a random transmission out to all ships within range. Further communication channels are also incorporated into the AIS system including text facilities.

Information

AIS offers many solutions to information gathering for organisations. Aids to Navigation can include many different inputs to allow sensors to monitor hydrological and metrological factors; base stations can monitor vessels and AtoNs within their range; and AIS receivers offer a low cost vessel monitoring solution for ports.

Safety

AIS was initially designed as an anti collision device, by identifying potential collisions before they happen and allowing vessels to make course adjustments to avoid them. However, recently AIS has enhanced rescue of stranded life rafts by transmitting their course and speed, enabling vessels to plot an intercept course.