Report on AIS Transmit Project (Environmental Message), Phase 1
Abstract
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an autonomous and continuous broadcast system that exchanges maritime safety/security information between participating vessels and shore stations. In addition to providing a means for maritime administrations to effectively track the movement of vessels in coastal waters, AIS can be a means to transmit information to ships in port or underway that contributes to safety of navigation and protection of the environment. This includes meteorological and hydrographic data, carriage of dangerous cargos, safety and security zones, status of aids-to-navigation, and other port/waterway safety information. In the United States, it is intended that this information be transmitted from shore-side AIS Base Stations in binary message format as part of expanded Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) provided by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Commandant (CG-7413) - Shore Forces Vessel Traffic Services Division requested the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center's (RDC) assistance to identify and develop requirements for marine information that could be broadcast by Coast Guard VTS Centers using the AIS binary message feature. The objective of this research is to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel navigation especially within VTS areas. The goal is to implement enhanced AIS Coast Guard-wide. To reach this goal, a test bed has been established to test concepts, ideas, draft standards, etc. prior to CG-wide implementation. After some analysis of alternatives it was decided to establish the test bed at the Cooperative VTS (CVTS) Tampa, FL. In December 2007, RDC with support from Alion Science and Technology (Alion) completed and delivered a Requirements Report that documented the requirements for AIS binary messaging. In preparing the report, representatives of each segment (information providers and information disseminators, users (mariners), and shipboard equipment manufacturers) were contacted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA504755
Entities
People
- Gregory W. Johnson
- Irene M. Gonin
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center