Innovations in AIS

Raytheon Marine and Nauticast Combine AIS Forces

Raytheon Marine is broadening its product offering to fulfill the new requirements due to the modification of international regulations. Therefore the company is now offering a SOLAS Class A ship borne AIS Transponder through its worldwide Reseller Network.

The new RM 808 AIS, which is Wheelmark Type Approved by BSH, Germany, is produced exclusively by Nauticast Schiffsnavigationssysteme AG, Austria. Nauticast supplies the RM 808 AIS based on its own X-Pack DS design, together with extended warranty and high-end accessories for ease of installation.

MDS Granted Product Approval

Marine Data Systems (MDS) has become the first to be granted product approval by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S., for its AIMS MIV Automatic Identification System (AIS). Prior to this, MDS has complied with all the AIS specifications and was awarded (Class A) Type Approval by the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH) in Germany — currently one of two test houses in the world that can grant AIS Class A type approval. MDS has participated in successful trials and projects in Canada, the Netherlands, Malaysia, the U.K. and South Africa.

Major Cruise Lines Order Debeg UAIS

Carnival Cruise Lines, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have commissioned STN ATLAS Marine Electronics' new Debeg 3400 UAIS for selective installation on newbuildings as well as aboard some existing vessels. The project is part of a retrofit being carried out by Miami-based G A International Electronics in association with STN ATLAS U.K. Other major cruise line operators to have also recently commissioned systems include Holland America Line, P&O Princess Cruises and RCCL/Celebrity Cruises. Systems being supplied for cruise line operation also include, in some cases, a companion Debeg 3401 Display & Control Unit (DCU) for separate presentation of targets and own ship symbol in the form of situation displays, with triangular symbols indicating headings of targets. Target data, such as position, course, speed, heading, name and destination relative to own-ship's range and bearing can also be displayed. There are additional facilities for relaying safety-related messages and acceptance of external satcom interrogation.

L-3's AIS is Compact

The L-3 AIS is a single box design with integral MKD making it the most compact AIS design available (overall dimensions are 7.3 x 6.4 x 3.3 in. or (18.4 x 16.2 x 8.2 cm)). Because of its compact size, the L-3 AIS simplifies installation, thus offering an ideal situation for retrofit or space-limited installations. With high reliability and low cost of ownership, the L-3 AIS provides shipowners with a scaleable AIS solution that can be tailored to best fit the specific needs of the bridge crew. This single box includes a DSC controller, a pair of SOTDMA controllers, internal GPS, and integral MKD. Offered with an optional integrated DGPS card and additional DGPS beacon receiver, the L-3 AIS provides DGPS positional information in the event of failure of the ship's primary DGPS system. Since AIS functions as an anti-collision device, L-3 developed an optional Windows-based Electronic Charting System (ECS) using C-Map technology. The L-3 ECS provides users with an ideal tool for displaying AIS and ARPA target information on a highly accurate geographic background

Clear Your Course With JRC's JHS-180

In accordance with IMO and SOLAS requirements, which came into effect on July 1, 2002, Japan Radio (JRC) has developed its own AIS for mandated vessels. The shipborne system, which is a requirement on passenger vessels over 300 gt (international) and all vessels over 500 gt, can regularly broadcast the vessel's own information, while continuing to receive and display information broadcast from other vessels. Touted as a single unit structure, the device combines the antenna with transponder — guaranteeing easy installation and cost savings. In addition, collision avoidance is enhanced when interfaced with ARPA radar equipment and ECDIS, and JRC's own Guard Ring feature provides a guard zone setting so that the ship's Officer on Watch has early warning of potential threats. The device can also be interfaced to ship's sensors, such as gyrocompass, speed log and turn-rate indicator. With a built in GPS back up, the JHS-180 also has a channel management capability for areas that are absent from AIS access.

Furuno Launches AIS

Furuno has developed and conducted internal and external testing, of the new AIS type FA-100, which is now under type approval with BSH in Germany. The FA-100 AIS is compact in design, easy to install and prepared to interface with other compatible equipment, such as Radar and ECDIS. Consisting of a combined control and electronic unit plus a junction box for cable connections, the device offers two antenna options — either a compact combined VHF/GPS antenna solution — or the use of separate GPS and VHF antennas. In standard configuration, the incoming AIS information will be presented at a six-line data display with further possibilities for scrolling and Graphic Mode Presentation. When integrated with compatible Radar and/or ECDIS equipment, the relevant information from AIS targets is transferred to this equipment, thus helping the navigator to centralize information. The company has also completed the development, as well as internal and external testing, of the new VDR type VR-5000.

Sailor UAIS1900 and KDU1905 Gain "Wheel" of Approval

SAILOR UAIS1900 is an advanced integrated system with a 12-channel GPS and built-in VHF. To format the system so that it is operational, only a display system, such as the new KDU1905, a VHF antenna, a GPS antenna and power are needed. The new Keyboard Display Unit KDU1905 has a graphical display and the targets are either presented graphically or listed alphanumerically. The KDU1905 is easy to use, with large buttons and comes with a large 40 x 24 lines backlit display. It fulfils the IMO requirements of a mandatory control and display unit, and will often be used in combination with more advanced display systems already installed on board the vessel.

SKANTI UAIS Is Proven Concept

Since the introduction of the SKANTI UAIS 2100 in January 2003, the system has proven to meet the market demand and has thus been sold in large quantities — and delivered world-wide. The SKANTI UAIS 2100 is fully functional by just connecting it to a display system, a VHF and a GPS antenna and power. Its main features include: Wheelmark approval, built in 12-channel GPS and VHF, compact design, flexible installation with just a few external connections, and water-resistance to IP66.

Northrop Grumman Bridgemaster E Is Type Approved

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Sperry Marine business unit's Decca BridgeMaster E marine radars have been type accepted by QinetiQ for display of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data in accordance with the technical provisions of the International Maritime Organization Circular SN/Circ. 217.

The BridgeMaster E radar processes data from the AIS and automatically displays the AIS targets, which are shown graphically within the radar circle in accordance with IMO-prescribed symbology. The navigator can view additional information about a selected AIS target in a separate target tote window. Any displayed AIS targets infringing the defined CPA/TCPA limits or entering a guard zone will raise an alarm to alert the watchkeeper.

Kelvin Hughes is IMO Compliant

Kelvin Hughes Limited, part of Smiths Marine Systems, now offers all of its Radar, ECDIS and VDR systems with full Automatic Identification System (AIS) interface capability. From July 1, 2002 the IMO, under the SOLAS Chapter V Convention, initiated the requirement for ships to carry AIS, by 2008 it will be mandatory for all vessels greater than 300 gt.

McMurdo Commences New UAIS Training

Technical training courses covering all areas of installation and commissioning of Class A Universal Automatic Identification System (UAIS), are now available through Portsmouth, U.K.-based manufacturer McMurdo. The company has introduced the first of a new series of courses, designed to aid distributors, agents and installers in becoming fully qualified in both the theoretical and hands-on knowledge required to install, service and commission UAIS equipment.