Automatic Identification System (AIS):
Integrating and Identifying Marine Communication Channels
Automatic Identification System, more popularly known as AIS is
a system which helps to pinpoint the location and other navigational statistics
of ships. AIS uses VHF radio channels as transmitters and receivers to send and
receive messages between ships which endeavors to fulfill a lot of
responsibilities.
AIS
behaves as a radar and enables ships to correspond with other ships and in the
case of coast guards, aids them in tracking any untoward sightings in the
ocean. Additionally, it also helps in navigational purposes like transmitting
alternative routes in case there are chances of any on-course collision between
two ships. AIS also enables in sending distress signals so that rescue
operations can be carried out for the affected ship. Also, in cases where
accidents have occurred and evidence needs to be found out about the last known
position and route of the ship, it is the AIS that assists the authorities to
find the required details. Just like the Black Box in an airplane, the AIS has
managed to revolutionize and streamline marine travel, navigation and
communication aspects
In
today’s times, AIS solves many problems pertaining to the transmission of communication
across the naval communication lines. By using normal communication channels
VHF radios, AIS solves the problem to integrating contemporary technology with
the already existing ones. Also since the transmitting and receiving codes are
automatic, it becomes quite evident as to which ship is transmitting or
receiving signals thereby making matters of keeping track of the ship simple
and uncomplicated.
Since
marine rules stipulate that every ship needs to have an AIS fitted in its
marine equipment catalogue, it becomes easier and feasible for pinpointing the
locations and routes taken by ships in the high seas and oceans. This part
becomes more relevant considering the incidents and events that have occurred
and are occurring in these past few years, because of the threat of pirates and
marine terrorism increasing more and more every day. Therefore with the usage
of a device like AIS such complications can be avoided as coast guards can help
shipmen navigate away from those water parts where the threat of piracy looms.
Right
now, it also has to be understood that AIS is burdened by distance problems, in
the sense that AIS is only applicable for area of 74 km. But as more and more
ships find the system to be useful and highly facilitative in their navigational
routes, the time is not far when AIS will encompass a wider area than what it
covers now. Already, it boasts of facilities like providing satellite
connectivity and internet plugging to enable a much better scope for the
gadget’s assistance.
By making
use of a gadget like the AIS, charting the routes and locations of ships has
become very simple. Marine travel is one of the oldest forms of transportation
and with the inclusion of such a gadget in routine marine travel, the older
means of transport has become quite contemporary as it has become possible for
ships and coast guards to be aware of the happenings in the waters immediately
surrounding them. AIS is the answer to all communication problems that were
being caused while a ship was in the water and being an appropriate answer
suiting all intents and purposes, the AIS technology is something that will
evolve and develop as years progress by, making matters even more convenient
for the marine vessels and travelers in the days to come.
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