Alternatives Report for Transition of Prototype AIS Transmit Capability to VTS Operations
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. Three new binary type AIS messages have been developed for transmission from Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) ports to improve vessel traffic safety and reduce VHF voice communications. These new messages are Environmental, Area Notice, and Waterways Management messages. The equipment and software to transmit these messages were successfully tested in various locations. The next step is to transition the AIS transmit from a research effort into an operational system that is implemented at all VTS ports. The purpose of this report is to present various options for transitioning the enhanced AIS capability developed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center (RDC) from a proof-of-concept to an operational system. The report will first discuss the status of the ongoing research and address the attainment of the project's goals. A snapshot of the as-is state of all of the test beds and demonstration areas is presented as the starting point for the transition discussion. Since the plans for transitioning the VTS and non-VTS areas are different, they are treated separately in this report. Various transition options and the costs of each option are detailed for the implementation of the enhanced AIS capability at all 12 VTS ports. Separate plans are presented for moving responsibility for the demonstration projects to other government agencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA529151
Entities
People
- Gregory Johnson
- Irene Gonin
- Mark Wiggins
- Ruslan Shalaev
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center