AIS Standard

AIS Standards – Automatic Identification System (AIS) Regulations & Protocols 🚢📡

AIS (Automatic Identification System) operates under strict international standards to ensure safe navigation, vessel tracking, and maritime communication. These standards define how AIS transmits, receives, and processes data.

🔹 Key AIS Standards & Protocols

1. IMO (International Maritime Organization) Standards 🌍⚓

The IMO defines AIS requirements in:

• SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) – Chapter V, Regulation 19

  • Requires all passenger ships and cargo ships over 300 GT (Gross Tonnage) on international voyages to carry AIS.

  • Ensures continuous AIS operation unless there’s a security or safety concern.

• IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) – AIS Performance Standards

  • Specifies how AIS should autonomously and continuously broadcast vessel information (e.g., position, speed, identity).

2. ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Standards 📡📶

ITU defines how AIS transmits and receives data using VHF (Very High Frequency) radio waves. Key ITU standards include:

• ITU-R M.1371 → AIS technical characteristics, modulation, and data transmission rules.

• ITU-R M.825 → Defines DSC (Digital Selective Calling) for distress alerts in AIS.

• ITU-R M.1084 → Describes how AIS integrates with Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

3. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standards ⚙️🛠️

IEC develops AIS equipment testing and performance guidelines, including:

• IEC 61993-2 → Specifies AIS transponder testing for compliance with IMO/ITU rules.

• IEC 61162 → Defines communication between AIS and other shipboard systems (e.g., radar, ECDIS).

• IEC 62287 → Covers AIS Class B transceivers for smaller vessels.

4. IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) Standards 🌎🗺️

IALA provides operational and safety guidelines for AIS, such as:

• IALA Recommendation A-124 → Describes how AIS is used for vessel traffic management (VTS).

• IALA Guidelines 1082 → Defines AIS shore station operations and data sharing methods.

• IALA Technical Guideline 1117 → Covers satellite-based AIS reception and global tracking.

5. Other Relevant Standards 🛰️💾

• NMEA 0183 / NMEA 2000 → AIS data formatting and integration with marine electronics.

• SOLAS Chapter IV → Links AIS to distress communication systems (GMDSS).

• AIS Message Formats → Defines 27 different AIS message types for navigation, weather, and safety alerts.

🔹 AIS Equipment Categories & Standards

AIS devices are classified into different types based on functionality and standards:

AIS Type Standard Usage

Class A IMO SOLAS, ITU-R M.1371, IEC 61993-2 Large vessels, commercial ships

Class B IEC 62287 Smaller boats, non-SOLAS vessels

AIS Base Stations IALA A-124, ITU-R M.1371 Shore-based traffic management

AIS AtoN (Aids to Navigation) IALA A-124 Buoys, lighthouses

SAT-AIS (Satellite AIS) ITU-R M.1371 Global vessel tracking via satellites

🔹 Conclusion

AIS follows strict IMO, ITU, IEC, and IALA standards to ensure reliable and safe vessel tracking worldwide. These regulations define equipment requirements, transmission protocols, and integration with navigation systems.