Atlas Cover

xiv EDITORIAL
A SEAMAN’S PERSPECTIVE -
THE ROLE OF AIS ON THE BRIDGE AT SEA
Life at sea has changed immeasurably over recent years, and the advances in equipment have come thick and
fast. This technological progress has been relentless, touching every facet of the ship-to-shore relationship,
and spanning almost every shipboard activity.
Many initiatives have made routine tasks simpler, while others have changed forever the way watch-keepers
operate and the very safety and processes of navigation itself.
One of the most fundamental changes has been the introduction of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)
for vessels. AIS brings to the seafarer many benefits, principal amongst these is the automatic and immediate
provision of vessel identity, thereby facilitating rapid radio communication where necessary, no longer do
nameless ships simply pass in the night.
There are other advantages of AIS over existing navigation equipment, and the systems provide precise navigational
advice over a wide geographical coverage. AIS offers real-time maneuvering data and a high level of
traffic image accuracy, and all without the effect of the weather on tracking performance, and with the
absence of “radar shadow” areas. Advantages that provide a real boost to the officers on the bridge, as they
no longer struggle to adjust sets for rain and sea clutter.
AIS has changed not just the reactions and procedures of the navigators using it, but has affected the provision
of assistance to them – whether from other vessels or port Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) operators. The
provision of navigation data is now a complete closed loop, with all parties provided with the information
they need, when they need it.
While there are numerous benefits gained from the new equipment, we must never become complacent, and
must always remember that professional navigators still have work to do – it’s not all just pressing buttons
and relying solely on the machine to do all the work.
There are naturally some drawbacks to the system, one major concern being that some operators may
become overly dependent on AIS, and therefore, may treat the system as a sole or primary means for vessel
identification. This can be a fatal mistake, especially when one considers that AIS has the same vulnerabilities
as VHF-FM, and has a propensity to cull transmissions when it reaches its saturation point (maximum number
of transmission receipts), so just when you need it most, in heavy traffic, it may not be providing the full
picture – the old lesson remains, and we must never rely on scanty information.
Other weaknesses to be guarded against include poor installation, incorrect data, poor displays (MKDs), and
officers not switching units on/off as appropriate.
There are also important issues related to the development of electronic aids to navigation, and The Nautical
Institute has long stressed the difficulties of dealing with technology, such as AIS, before it is fully developed
and realised. We have also stressed the absolute need for proper training long before crews are expected
to use such equipment.
Lloyd’s Maritime Atlas www.lloydsmiu.com
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