Expanded Use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) Navigation Technology in Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime navigation safety communications system that exchanges vessel information, including the vessel's identity, position, course and speed and other safety-related information automatically with other ships and shore stations. Since its introduction aboard ships in 2002, the information provided by AIS has proven invaluable for shipboard situational awareness and shoreside vessel traffic management use, particularly in Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). AIS has been very valuable in assisting VTS identification of radar targets and tracking of vessels in non-radar coverage areas. In some instances it has reduced voice radio communications by automating position reporting. However, the full benefit of AIS capability to VTS beyond these basic applications has yet to be realized, and in some cases even this basic usage could be improved upon, particularly as the concept of e-Navigation matures. AIS has the capability to revolutionize VTS operations and provide vast benefit to the mariner in the form of properly presented information delivered at the right time. While recognizing that AIS is not a panacea, the future use of AIS will be information-driven, making information available for the mariner and other users and getting it to and from places that were not possible, not feasible and likely not even thought of in the past. AIS will be an integral part of an overall e-Navigation strategy. This paper is an update of one presented at the Royal Institute of Navigation NAV07 conference, "Beyond Vessel Tracking — Expanded Use of AIS in Vessel Traffic Services" (Tetreault, 2007).