The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a system used by
ships and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) principally for identification and
locating vessels. AIS provides a means for ships to electronically exchange
ship data including: identification, position, course, and speed, with other
nearby ships and VTS stations. This information can be displayed on a screen
or an
ECDIS display. AIS is intended to assist the vessel's watch standing officers
and allow maritime authorities to track and monitor vessel movements. It works
by integrating a standardized
VHF transceiver system with an electronic navigation system, such as a
LORAN-C (LOng RAnge Navigation Version C) or
Global Positioning System receiver, and other navigational sensors on
board ship (gyrocompass,
rate of turn indicator, etc..
The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires AIS to be fitted aboard international
voyaging ships with gross tonnage (GT) of 300 or more tons, and all passenger
ships regardless of size. It is estimated that more than 40,000 ships currently
carry AIS class A equipment.
