Looking for the best AIS transponder? Then you have come to the right place at Mediawinkel.eu. AIS, which stands for 'Automatic Identification System', is a transponder that was developed to better guarantee safety on the water. After all, there are many sheep on the water; from commercial vessels to pleasure vessels. All these ships must be able to travel on the water without a high risk of accidents. That is why it is important that you as a boat owner have an Automatic Identification System. Below you will find more information about such systems. What exactly are these systems? What types of AIS transponder systems are there? You can read this and more below.
What exactly is an AIS transponder?
The system was introduced to improve overall safety between boats on the water. This system sends a VHF (Very High Frequency) signal to other ships, so that the skippers of these other ships are aware of the presence of your boat. Thanks to the AIS transponder, you can immediately see on a chart plotter where all ships with a similar system are located. This increases safety on the water, because because all drivers can see where ships are, unforeseen circumstances such as collisions can be prevented.
What else does an AIS system do?
Although this safety system is by nature intended to display the position of all ships in the area, this is not the only function it has. In addition to the position of a ship, you can also find all kinds of other information about the ships that are in the vicinity of your ship. This includes information such as the ship's course, current speed, radio call sign and boat type. In addition, in some cases it is possible that the destination of the ship is also displayed. By clicking on the symbol of the AIS transponder you will see this information in no time.
How does it actually work?
Now that the function of the system has been discussed, we can go into more detail about how the system actually works. Because how does an AIS transponder system manage to send the most important ship data from one ship to another? Within the system, the various types of ship information (both static and dynamic) are combined into one whole by means of the Automatic Identification System transponder, also known as the AIS transponder. This bundling of information is then sent to other ships in the area by means of the VHF signal, which is located in the AIS transponder. Other boats then receive this information, after which a better picture of the nearby environment on the water can be sketched in real-time.
There are two parts within an AIS transponder system: the transponder and the transceiver. The AIS transponder enables the system to send information, the transceiver enables the system to receive the information. There are systems that only have transceivers, which means that only information can be received and therefore not shared. A transponder is necessary to share your own position. The overall range of the average system is between 30 and 40 kilometers. The speed and frequency with which the information is sent to other ships depends on the speed of your boat. Furthermore, the Automatic Identification System works completely automatically, so you do not have to continuously send information yourself.
Why choose this system?
There are many good reasons why you would want to install an AIS system on your boat. Firstly, this system increases overall safety on the waters. Not only do you do this for yourself, but also for all other sailors on the water. In addition, the systems have an advantage over other types of systems because they are an affordable option that is extremely effective. The transponder uses relatively little power and the system is also easy to integrate within the cabin.
In addition, the transponders have a number of features that make them more attractive options compared to other systems. For many ships you can see the route they plan to take, allowing you to take this into account when planning your own route. A transponder therefore offers you a helping hand in navigating your ship. The systems are mandatory for boats with a length of more than 20 meters, but even if the ship is smaller than 20 meters it is recommended to use an AIS transponder. There are special Inland AIS systems aimed at this.
What is Class A and Class B AIS?
From 2002 it became mandatory to have AIS on all commercial ships over 300T and on every passenger ferry recognized under the SOLAS Convention. These ships must have a class A AIS system. Class A operates at much higher transmission power of up to 12.5W, meaning they can send and receive data over much greater distances than the Class B equivalent. Class B operates up to 2W, which means the transceiver's range is much shorter, but this is for good reason.
Since Class B is recommended for pleasure craft and small craft, their size and maneuverability usually mean they don't need to pay attention to vessels further away. By comparison, a 300-meter tanker carrying hundreds of tons requires much earlier warning of possible collisions to make the necessary course adjustments.
In addition, class A systems must transmit their information much more often. Here's the comparison:
Class A, first class
Tx interval from 2 to 10 seconds when traveling at more than 3 knots
Tx interval of 3 minutes while anchoring or less than 3 knots
Additional data is sent at 6 minute intervals.
Class B
Tx interval of 30 seconds when sailing at more than 2 knots 2
Tx interval of 3 minutes while anchored or less than 2 knots
Much fewer parameters and additional data are required
Some facts about AIS systems
Below are a number of important facts about these systems:
It is mandatory to have a Basic Maritime Radio Certificate if you plan to use this type of equipment.
The system can often be divided into six parts: the AIS transponder, computer, power supply, VHF antenna, GPS antenna and the chart plotter on which everything can be seen.
An FM radio can be linked to the system.
The systems can be divided into two classes: Class A equipment is suitable for ships that sail at sea and that have to comply with the IMO and SOLAS requirements. Class B equipment is aimed more at pleasure boating.
Registration with the Telecom Agency is a requirement if you want to use such systems.
NB; AIS has recently become mandatory in the port of Antwerp
Every vessel must use a properly functioning AIS installation. For vessels that are part of a tow, at least one of the vessels must use a properly functioning AIS installation. The AIS device must be permanently switched on and the data entered must correspond to reality at all times.
The regulation does not distinguish between commercial and pleasure craft for vessels in the above items, which implies that all vessels must be equipped with VHF radio and AIS.
It also does not state that the AIS must be a transponder or just a receiver. In the case of a transponder, the question is whether the B transponders are permitted for pleasure boating.
Because the port area also includes the mooring strips along the Scheldt, one may wonder whether the AIS obligation also applies there.
Offers
Are you looking for the best AIS transponder systems that you can order easily and quickly online? Look no further, because Mediawinkel.eu is the webshop for you! Here you will find all kinds of systems, both for commercial shipping and pleasure boating. You will find all kinds of brands, different price categories and excellent conditions here. You will also find the best offers in the field of these types of systems here. In no time you will find the AIS transponder system that perfectly suits your boat at Mediawinkel.eu.
Contact
If you need additional information, it is always possible to contact us. We recommend that you send an email to [email protected]. We are happy to provide you with more information about an AIS transponder.
