Receiver - Transponder AIS

TheAIS to transmit and receive data

TheAIS, Automatic Identification System, is a ship identification system that uses the VHF radio frequency. Thisanti-collision system sends information on the position of the vessel, its speed and its course.

For the system to work, vessels must be equipped with a transmitter and receiver AIS. Not all boats are equipped in the same way. While boaters are free to choose whether or not to equip themselves with a AIS, they can also opt for a transponder.

Boats over 45 meters, fishing vessels over 10 meters or certain professionals are required to have a transceiver. On a VHF system AIS, it is possible to have access to the information of the boats which sail near yours, you can for example reach the name of the boat, its course, its position, its callsign, the distance at which it is from your boat as well as its length.

Receiver, transponder AIS and range

Two types of data can be received or exchanged. The receiver receives static data such as the name of the boat or dynamic data such as the position and speed of the boat.

This information is particularly useful at night when visibility is reduced to avoid possible collisions with fishing boats or cargo ships.

TheAIS has its limits and should not be used as a substitute for radar, which offers a much greater range. Large cargo or cruise ships equipped with a AIS system have a greater range than pleasure boats.

Devices with dual transmitter/receiver functionality are more expensive but allow both transmitting and receiving information.

TheAIS, different options

TheAIS can integrate a large number of options depending on the use you want to make. The system can integrate a black box or a screen that is connected to a GPS or a tablet, a PC ...

It is possible to connect theAIS to other instruments via various types of communication protocols. A Wifi module can be integrated into theAIS case, which facilitates the sending of data by radio waves to computers, tablets and smartphones without using a USB cable.

There are three types of transceivers AIS class A, B or B+:

• The AIS class A are reserved for professionals.
• Those of class B can be used by boaters.
• The AIS class B+ are also reserved for boaters but are more powerful.

Choose your receiver - transponder AIS selected by Comptoir nautique among the brands AMEC, Raymarine, Garmin, McMurdo...