GreenSailor
Member
I've been looking at AIS systems and would like to get feed back on the pros and cons of the system. And which ones work the best.
Also I've heard some ships filter class b targets.
We have a Vesper Marine XB8000 which is chocked full of features. It has wifi thta can join or create its own network so you cna check the status of of it and also use the AIS display. It also bridges Nmea data to some programs too. Another feature is that it has a usb connection so you can bridge data from N2k to usb for use in programs like Open CPN or Coastal Explorer.
Hi Oliver,
I've heard the same rumors, but my experiences lead me to believe otherwise. I spent a lot of weekends this summer running into and out of Seattle, which is extremely busy with both commercial and recreational traffic.
I have observed on several occasions when I've been involved with complicated crossing situations that large commercial traffic has altered their course based on my AIS class B transmissions (they could not see me via Radar or visually at the time). One particular situation comes to mind that involved 5 vessels having to give way slightly and a tug with tow that was the stand on vessel for the other five. All six vessels did what they were supposed to like a well choreographed dance. It was impressive to watch.
To the OP, I have a Simrad AIS transceiver, which works well for me. It outputs NMEA 0183 and 2000, so the vessel data shows up on the Navigation PC's, the Furuno gear and the Simrad Chartplotters.
Of course, YMMV,
I'll make my plea for a Class A or Class B transceiver, NOT just a receiver. AIS is only as good as the number of boats that are transmitting and beign displayed. By sending and receiving, you are contributing to making the system better. If all you have is a receiver, then in my opinion you are taking without giving back in return.
Not everybody can afford an AIS transmitter, but at least receiving you can see what is going on around you and radio the boat to communicate with them. Something most cannot do. So taking I think not.
You can only see them because they coughed up the $$ for a transceiver. So you are benefiting from his investment, but you have done nothing to return the favor. You benefit from the system only because others have invested the money to contribute via a transceiver. Yet you don't make the same contribution to benefit them. I think that's taking without giving.
You can only see them because they coughed up the $$ for a transceiver. So you are benefiting from his investment, but you have done nothing to return the favor. You benefit from the system only because others have invested the money to contribute via a transceiver. Yet you don't make the same contribution to benefit them. I think that's taking without giving.
Most of these boats are large commercial ships, yes they can afford it and they are required to have it.
The more recreational boats transmitting, the more crowded a screen gets.
It's good to know what the big ones are doing so we have an AIS receiver on board. But we don't have a transceiver since the big ones might suppress class B signals especially in those situations where I would like that they see me.
Therefore we consider AIS just as a contribution to our "active safety" rather than to "passive safety". We will never rely on the thought: "the big one has seen our tiny boat" - we will try to talk with him in any case of necessity.
That's it what AIS is helpful for us: to get name / call sign / MMSI of those big ones whose CPA seems a little bit too close (but AIS will not substitute RADAR in our opinion).
And if the big one is not answering our call and continues to come close we will go on the run ...
best regards / med venlig hilsen
wadden
But in the past 6 months I discovered that Pugent Sound and Seattle VTS does not receive Class B AIS, only Class A.
Do you know if this is true of all USCG VTS stations?
Now that I think of it, Al (FlyWright) is leading a group on a tour of the San Francisco VTS Center sometime soon. Hey Al, if you're reading this, can you ask them while you're there if they only monitor Class A AIS? And, if so, why?
No, I don't think it is universal, in fact I think Puget Sound and Seattle may be outliers. I think the only other place I have engaged VTS has been going through the Cape Cod Canal. I didn't have to check in, but at one point they called me by name, presumably from my Class B AIS.
I'm not subject to Puget Sound or Seattle VTS either, but checked in anyway on our way in from the ocean since it was zero visibility the whole way. They were happy to hear from us, but couldn't see us on AIS.