AIS
Why Boaters Need The Automatic
Identification
System
What is AIS
• Electronic Tool
–"See” & identify nearby vessels even when view is blocked
• Mandatory for 300T+
What is AIS
• Uses VHF Radio signals
• 15 mile range
What is AIS
Sees over hills
What is AIS
Lists vessel’s details vessels
• Name
• Speed
• Heading
• Bearing from your boat
• Location
What is AIS
Two Types
• Transmit & Receive
• Receive Only
What is AIS
Two Types
• Transmit & Receive
• Receive Only
Katy Leigh 9 mphFreighter 20 mph
FOG
MoonstruckMoonstruck Sept 30, 2011Rolled over and sank on a Tenn-Tom Waterway Bend
Not the actual boat
Tow
Moonstruck
TowMoonstruck
What is AIS
Would AIS have saved Moonstruck?
Other Tenn-Tom Bends are more treacherous
Tennessee River Below Ditto Landing
AIS Etiquette
Turn off transmitter when not needed!
• In harbor
• When not underway
AIS Etiquette
Turn off transmitter when not needed!
• In harbor
• When not underway
• When following another boat
AIS Etiquette
Learn how to turn off transmitter
• Not easy
• No power switch
• Units are inaccessible
• Some controlled by computer software
• May have to use circuit breaker
AIS Etiquette
•Test with another boat
AIS vs RADAR
If I already have Radar do I need an AIS receiver?
AIS vs RADAR
AIS
• Shows name
• Shows details
• Sees over hills
• Vessel must transmit
• Not rain sensitive
Radar
• Shows blob only
• Shows only line of site objects
• Shows buoys
• Shows all vessels with or without AIS
• Rain clutter
Buying an AIS
Three types
• Class A – for 300T+
–Expensive $4,500
–Transmit & Receive
• Class B – for small vessels
–$900
– Transmit & Receive
• Receive only
–$300
Buying an AIS
Integrated VHF Radio
• NMEA 183 to chartplotter or computer
Buying an AIS
VHF Radio with AIS
Buying an AIS
Compatible Chartplotter/Computer
• Connect module via NMEA0183 cable
• Connect power to module
Search “Stories” for more at: www.greatloopcruising.com
