To amplify on Rich Cassano's comments, AIS is not regional in the sense
of "somewhere there's a tower or satellite broadcasting 'AIS'". Each
participating vessel emits a stream of data about the vessel and her
motion. Receivers pick that up and turn the stream into locally useful
data (plots, etc.). Since the system is in the marine VHF band, it's
subject to the range limitations of any marine VHF contact.

I plan to add AIS to OWTW because of all the commercial traffic running
up and down the Chesapeake. Although we usually avoid a real crossing
situation, there are times when it would be very helpful to see the
situation without spending time on ch. 13 doing "I'm here, where are you
going - I'm the sailboat with the white hull and white sails; can't miss
me" calls.

Cheers,
Rick Emerson

Added: From the USCG AIS pages' FAQ:
"When must the Automatic Identification System be installed on vessels?
Vessels on international voyage must install the AIS as specified in the
SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.4 implementation schedule adopted by the
International Maritime Organization, but, no later than 31 December
2004; as do vessels on domestic voyage within a U.S. Vessel Movement
Reporting System or Vessel Traffic Service Area."

My guess is that would include vessels on the Mississippi and Tombigbee.

Sonadora wrote:
> Does anyone know if AIS is available on inland waterways? This could be
> useful in some of the narrower spots of the Miss. and Tombigbee to be sure
> you can make way without a tow approaching.
>
>

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Received on Thu Feb 22 08:11:26 2007