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bewitched · 29-10-2009, 21:07

An AIS transponder will identify your vessel type. For us that would be either sailing vessel (when sailing) or motor vessel (when not).

The setting is not all that easy to change. It requires going back into the whole set up process.

There is a safety issue here. What setting do you use? Why? Is is something that a particular brand has overcome (quick and easy switching)

rebel heart · 29-10-2009, 21:56

I think you'd want to stick with sail; even though you're a "motor vessel" while under motor, you're extremely underpowered compared to the other "motor vessels" out there. Additionally I think it would a bit confusing to a bridge crew to get a "motor vessel" readout and then identify you as a sail boat (regardless of your current propulsion).

That's my $0.02; more than happy to hear another version.

captden · 29-10-2009, 21:59

Makes sense to me

delmarrey · 29-10-2009, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebel heart

I think you'd want to stick with sail; even though you're a "motor vessel" while under motor, you're extremely underpowered compared to the other "motor vessels" out there. Additionally I think it would a bit confusing to a bridge crew to get a "motor vessel" readout and then identify you as a sail boat (regardless of your current propulsion).

That's my $0.02; more than happy to hear another version.

Ditto!

**Paul Elliott** · 30-10-2009, 00:25

Yes, especially if you are talking about a Class-B transponder. I don't think that in normal operation any of the "static" information is intended to be changed. I suggest that you stick with "sailing vessel" -- that's what I do.

bewitched · 30-10-2009, 00:39

Yes - Class B

I guess it's the modern day equivalent of the inverted cone motorsailing dilema

Hampus · 30-10-2009, 01:15

The static data telling everyone what kind of ship you are should never be changed. I'm not too sure about a class B transponder, but on a class A you have dynamic data to change like vessel status; under way using engine, moored, aground, anchored etc. Regardless of what, a tanker is a tanker and a sailing ship is a sailing ship.

bewitched · 30-10-2009, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hampus

sailing ship is a sailing ship.

a sailing vessel is only a sailing vessel if the engine is not being used for propulsion.

As soon as you turn the propellor, you are no longer a sailing vessel (under colregs)

and presumably should identify yourself as such???

kerrydeare · 30-10-2009, 02:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by bewitched

An AIS transponder will identify your vessel type. For us that would be either sailing vessel (when sailing) or motor vessel (when not ... What setting do you use? ...

I only have an AIS receiver so I am not sure about this, but can you select "sailing auxiliary"?

Zanshin · 30-10-2009, 02:29

I don't think that Class A systems use the vessel type broadcast by a Class B AIS for COLREGS, I would stick with sailing vessel in my static data as that will give the receiver an indication that your top speed isn't going to be too high and that your course predictability won't be high, either. For those interested, USCG AIS "B" Message contents

Hampus · 30-10-2009, 02:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by bewitched

a sailing vessel is only a sailing vessel if the engine is not being used for propulsion.

As soon as you turn the propellor, you are no longer a sailing vessel (under colregs)

and presumably should identify yourself as such???

That is true, but not as far as the AIS is concerned. You identify the type of ship under static data and a sailing ship is always a sailing ship, regardless of it's propulsion or if it's morred or under way. However, you set the dynamic data according to your status. A few of the selections are: Under way using engine, moored, aground, fishing, at anchor etc. That is where you tell people what you are up to. The dynamic data should constantly be adjusted to fit the situation, the static data should never be changed. Since I've only operated class A transponders, I couldn't tell you if you can change dynamic data on a class B transonder. Never the less, static data should remain unchanged.

/Hampus

bewitched · 30-10-2009, 02:37

using an example:

bad visability (lashing with rain at night)
no visual contact
I am travelling west to east
From AIS I see a power driven vessel traveling south to north

If I am sailing I am the stand on vessel, if I am motoring, he is the stand on vessel.

room for confusion, no??

The reason I asked the question was that I was in this situation, with an AIS Transponder identifying me as a sailing vessel. The crossing was going to be too close for comfort if he took no avoiding action. I remember thinking " he's probably got me on AIS, but I wonder if he's 1) opened the window where he can see my info and 2) read all the way down to the bit where it says "vessel type". Or has he just seen the little triangle and thought "I'm stand on vessel because he is approaching from the left.

I changed course and went behind in the end.

bewitched · 30-10-2009, 02:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hampus

However, you set the dynamic data according to your status. A few of the selections are: Under way using engine, moored, aground, fishing, at anchor etc.

/Hampus

Thanks Hampus - this makes a lot of sense

I'll check again, but I seem to remember this wasn't such a quick thing to do

bewitched · 30-10-2009, 02:54

This is the AIS I had on board

http://www.comarsystems.com/csb_200.html

Perhaps I'm being a bit thick here - but why would it transmit my "type of vessel" if this information wasn't to be used for the purposes of navigation?