Another AIS B wrench in the works

[sandy daugherty]

rom Panbo.com
"The really new, and surprising, info about Class B is illustrated in the slide below. The USCG has decided that B transponders should not transmit boat names, as in many cases they are not official or data-based. Instead of a name, that field will be filled with “US#” and the boat’s state registration or federal documentation number. This idea wasn’t discussed much in the meeting, but later on a number of people were grumbling about it. A lot of AIS users really appreciate the ability to hail other vessels by name, or just see who else it out there. I can see how the scheme is more orderly, and will distinguish Class A and B transponders well. But will it reduce the usefulness of AIS, or will we adapt to it? What do you think?"

I think I'm not going to hear my NUMBER called. I think there will be a lot of confusion when everybody in the area starts calling back with questions like "was that call for SV Patagonia?" or "Did you say seven one six or seven Oh Exe"

I also think this idea is pretty darn stupid.

[Paul Elliott]

I agree with you completely -- saw this yesterday and was astounded. This makes AIS-B about half as useful as it would have otherwise been.

There must be a way to send comments to the USCG. If somebody can track down an appropriate email address, I will let them know what I think. I sure hope there's still time to fix this issue.

[David M]

Good grief. Does anyone know their reasoning?

[GordMay]

USCG Navigation Center: AIS OVERVIEW
Automatic Identification System Overview - USCG Navigation Center

How to Contact the FCC: How to Contact the Federal Communications Commission

To Contact the FCC Commissioners via E-mail
Chairman Kevin J. Martin: KJMWEB@fcc.gov
Commissioner Michael J. Copps: Michael.Copps@fcc.gov
Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein: Jonathan.Adelstein@fcc.gov
Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate: dtaylortateweb@fcc.gov
Commissioner Robert McDowell: Robert.McDowell@fcc.gov

[bstreep]

Wow. Take this off my list. How stupid is THAT?

[Paul Elliott]

I sent email to the USCG representative named in the presentation described on the Panbo website, and just received a reply:

--------------------------
Note, we only intend to do so for 'unnamed or nameless' vessels; in which case they will be required to use their U.S. official number, e.g. US#CA1234XZ in that AIS data filed in lieu of a non-official name-a name that does not appear on the vessel's CG Certificate of Documentation and/or FCC Station License.
We anticipate that this will be a very small population of vessels, and, believe that providing the vessel's official number in lieu of a blank vessel name enhances navigation safety. Vessel desiring to transmit a vessel name can easily remedy this-should they desire to do so-by obtaining an official name either by documenting their vessel and/or amending their radio station license.
--------------------------

OK, this sounds reasonable -- The name on your documentation or FCC license can be used. I see that Ben Ellison (the Panbo guy) has just mentioned this as well.

[sandy daugherty]

Commandant, if you're reading this, I take it all back. You're good guy!

[bstreep]

Dittos.