More and more of our WinGPS navigation software users see the benefits of an AIS receiver or transponder on board. A lot of users don't know excactly what AIS can do for you, and what it means to have it on board of your ship. Is this you? than this article is for you!
AIS (Automatic Identification System)
AIS is the name of the system that makes it possible for ships to identify other ships and to monitor the movement of these vessels. The reason for introducing the AIS system is that the skipper can use more data of the ships around him than a radar system. With this he increases the safety at sea and on the inland shipping lanes. AIS has, opposed to radar, no problems with heavy rain or snow.
AIS gives you information about your heading and speed, and also about the identity of the ship like the name, callsign, IMO number and MMSI number. Information about the navigation status is also available (like the destination, or if it's anchored). The crew needs to update this information daily. You can receive all this information about ships, even if they are not in sight (for example behind a high island or sailing trough a corner of a shippinglane in an urban area). With a ship radar you can't see these ships, but with AIS you can!
By connecting an AIS transponder or receiver with WinGPS 5 Pro, Voyager or WinGPS™ Marine, you create extra safety on the waters. WinGPS 5 shows all ships and beacons on the chart if they send out an AIS signal. You can directly see if ships are approaching. By clicking on a ship you can see all known AIS information like name, destination, type, speed and MMSI number. The speed and heading can be visualized by a (curved) vector line. The adjustable CPA (closest point of approach) alarm warns you for a possible collision.
AIS is mostly used for extra safety on board, for the improvement of safety at sea, and efficient navigation. Thanks to the the mandatory use of AIS for commercial ships in Europe, a lot of ships are already sailing with an AIS transponder. But we also see that recreational boating is using AIS for receiving information, as well as sending it.
There is a wide range of AIS receivers and transponders available. Our advisors are ready to help you with questions about AIS in combination with WinGPS. They can tell you which receiver or transponder suits best for your situation and needs. You can use the button below to easily contact our advisors, and get a personal quotation. You can call us, or come by our store in Heeg.
