JRC AIS System Earns USCG and FCC Type Approval

The USCG and the FCC have awarded JRC’s AIS system, the “JHS-180” Type Approval. Previously awarded Type Approvals by EU Wheelmark MED, UK, Japan and Industry Canada, this completes the Approval process for JRC’s AIS system, making it available worldwide for most vessels complying with this new IMO requirement. JRC’s JHS-180 is compliant with International Marine Organization (IMO) standards: IMO MSC Res.74 (69) Annex 3, ITU-R M. 1371-1, IEC61993-2, IEC60945 and others. The Universal Shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a newly developed system to improve the safety of navigation. IMO Carriage Requirements for merchant ships and vessels navigating US Coastal waters begin mandatory compliance in a tiered schedule of installation commencing with new ships and continuing with passenger ships, tankers and other vessels so designated by the USCG and IMO, which began July 2002. The JRC JHS-180 AIS system allows for interface capabilities to Radar, ECDIS, ECS and VDR systems and future expansions. Equipped with a built-in automatic self-diagnostic function and various interfaces, this system will prove to be a favorite for the ship owner. JRC’s AIS includes many of the components necessary to comply with AIS Carriage requirements in the initial package price. Additional upgrades or specific component needs may be provided that may apply to specific navigating areas, i.e. St Lawrence Seaway and the Panama Canal require a Pilot Port interface and Pilot Plug for use when the Pilot is aboard and the St Lawrence Seaway requires a DGPS sensor for positioning. There is a need for an external GPS for position as well as the AIS requirement for an internal GPS for time slot allocation. To date, JRC has six IMO approved GPS systems for vessel owners who need an IMO GPS for positioning: J-NAV500/GPS 112, J-NAV500/DGPS212, NWZ-4570/GPS112, NWZ-4570/DGPS212, JLR-7700MKII and JLR-7700. Providing quality products that perform with a high degree of reliability, JRC is a leader in the manufacture and design of Marine Electronics with Branch Offices, Service Depots and Servicing Dealers worldwide. For additional information or product pricing please contact Patricia Beth Barker, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator in the Seattle Branch office.