Anti collision device designed to help leisure boat owners recognise and understand vessel movements
07 June 2007 ~ The development of Automatic Identification System (AIS) progressed rapidly after 9/11, when port authorities faced concerns about potential attacks from a vessel. AIS technology enables automatic voiceless exchange of vessel and navigational information between vessel or shore station equipped with AIS receivers. This enables both shore stations and other vessels to identify the vessel name, MMSI number, radio call sign, type of ship and cargo identity, as well as dynamic information such as course, speed, rate of turn and heading.
For leisure vessels, the ability to see this information on chartplotter and radar screens is a huge benefit, especially in poor visibility and congested waters. Now Raymarine has launched its AIS250 receiver, a compact unit designed to integrate with Raymarine’s SeaTalk® network, bringing this technology to the reach of boat owners using Raymarine’s C and E series.
The value of AIS data to leisure vessels was highlighted recently in a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), which stated that the common practice of large vessels altering course in a slow manner can lead to doubt and indecision on board other vessels in the vicinity. Such a method of turning does not provide a clear indication of the vessel’s final intentions, so having an AIS receiver on board which states the rate of turn, course, speed and final destination enables boaters to make informed decisions about whether to change course themselves.
Anti collision device designed to help leisure boat owners recognise and understand vessel movements
The AIS250 is a switched dual channel, multiplexed system, which means a single receiver uses complex software to monitor AIS Class A and Class B transmissions over both standard VHF frequencies. For ease of fitting, the AIS250 uses a splitter circuit to utilise the existing VHF antenna and cabling, and links to the existing VHF radio on board.
Raymarine’s E and C Series multifunction displays have been upgraded to show AIS symbols and information directly on to both the chartplotter and radar screens.
In addition to useful vessel data, AIS has the great advantage of being able to 'see' around and over hills and other obstructions thereby eliminating the blind spots that sometimes appear on radar returns where a vessel can be 'hidden' behind a headland. Dynamic information such as speed, rate of turn, course and heading is updated within seconds, dependant on speed, while additional static information, such as vessel name, MMSI number, radio call sign, type of ship and cargo, and even destination is updated within minutes.
Raymarine’s AIS250 is quick and easy to install. The built-in multiplexer alleviates any connectivity issues by allowing the AIS250 to convert AIS information and other NMEA data at multiple baud rates, and the NMEA 0183 makes it compatible with all Raymarine equipment as well as other manufacturers’ products with AIS target display ability. The AIS250 is compact, rugged and reliable and comes with Raymarine’s standard 2 year parts and labour warranty, and is backed up with the company’s extensive worldwide service and support network. RRP £655.00 ex VAT and £769.62 inc VAT.
This text can be downloaded from www.adpr.co.uk. For high res images please email: info@raymarine.com.
June 2007 (RM421)
