An AIS (Automa c Iden fica on System) system is an essen al technology used in vessels to
improve naviga on safety and enhance situa onal awareness. It is an automated tracking
system that uses VHF (Very High Frequency) radio signals to transmit and receive informa on
between ships and shore sta ons. This system provides a range of important informa on, such
as vessel iden ty, loca on, speed, course, and other naviga onal data, to ensure that vessels
can operate safely and efficiently.

The primary purpose of an AIS system is to help vessels avoid collisions by providing real-me
informa on about other ships in their vicinity. This system allows vessels to track the
movements of other ships and predict their future posi ons, helping them to avoid any
poten al collisions. The AIS system also provides vessel traffic services with a comprehensive
overview of the traffic situa on, enabling them to take appropriate ac ons to manage traffic
and ensure safe passage.

The AIS system operates on two frequencies, VHF channel 87B (161.975 MHz) for ship-to-ship
communica on, and VHF channel 88B (162.025 MHz) for ship-to-shore communica on. The
AIS transceiver on the vessel con nuously transmits informa on about the vessel, such as its
iden ty, posi on, and speed. This informa on is then received by other vessels and shore
sta ons equipped with AIS receivers, allowing them to monitor the movements of the vessel in
real-me.

The AIS system also enables vessels to receive informa on about other ships in their vicinity,
such as their iden ty, posi on, and course. This informa on is displayed on the vessel’s AIS
receiver, allowing the crew to monitor the movements of other ships and take appropriate
ac on to avoid any poten al collisions. The AIS system also allows vessels to exchange
messages with other ships, such as naviga onal warnings and requests for informa on.

In addition to improving navigation safety, the AIS system also provides other benefits to vessel
operators. For example, the system allows vessels to monitor their own movements, enabling
them to opmize their speed and course to reduce fuel consump on and emissions. The AIS
system also provides vessel operators with a comprehensive overview of the traffic situa on,
enabling them to make informed decisions about route planning and scheduling. Informa ons
regarding to voyage such as ETA, des na on ports etc. must be inserted in the system by its
user manually. However, such manually inserted informa ons by user may cause deception for
the interested par es of the vessel.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires all vessels over 300 gross tons and
upwards engaged on interna onal voyages, Cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not
engaged on interna onal voyages and all passenger vessels to be equipped with an AIS system
since 31 December 2004. The system must be opera onal at all mes and must be integrated
into the vessel’s naviga onal equipment. The AIS system must also comply with the IMO’s
technical standards, ensuring that it operates effectively and reliably

In conclusion, the AIS system is an essen al technology that plays a crucial role in enhancing
naviga on safety and situa onal awareness in vessels. The system provides real-me
informa on about vessel movements, enabling vessel operators to avoid collisions and
opmize their movements to reduce fuel consump on and emissions. The AIS system is
mandatory for all large vessels and passenger vessels, and it must comply with the IMO’s
technical standards to ensure its effec veness and reliability.

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