AIS for beginners

[RajaNagaLaut]

Hi, I need some help getting my head around the AIS system - in Singapore it is required to have AIS transponder.
http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/circular...es/pn02-65.pdf

I have a Korean Haiyang Olix MX 80F HAIYANG OLIX
which says:
Various AIS information
When connecting AIS, sorting MMSI, Ship’s name,
nationality, CPA, etc available. Additionally, easy measuring
the distance of other ships available with AIS radius

So is this what the Singapore authorities need ? Or are they looking for a transmitter that displays my boat name/info ?
If I do need additional gear, any recommendations?

[Tientos]

You need to have transponder showing your vessel details. Ditto now in Thailand and Indonesia. Cheers


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[RajaNagaLaut]

I thought as much... any recommendations?
Cheaper the better (functional of course)

[Tientos]

Define cheap and where are you. We have an Icom MA500TR Class B transponder stand alone unit we bought for Aud1800 in 2012. Understand there may be AIS apps to interface with a computer, but you would need to check. Others may have ideas.
Good luck


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[chuckr]

Check out Nauticast -- we have their first version which is no longer available and got a note from them the other day that they have come out with a new version. Don't know much about it be we love our Nauticast and it has been working great for a bunch of years.

[RajaNagaLaut]

Thanks - follow-up question: What's the difference between Class A and Class B?

[Tientos]

Class A mandated by IMO for 300 tonnes up ( commercial). Class B recreational. Hope that helps.


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[RajaNagaLaut]

Yup that helps, thanks.
Where would I 'register' my AIS details?

[Tientos]

It is registered with your home authority, along with your EPIRB.


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[bcn]

The "detail" you need is the MMSI you have already for your radio.
This has to programmed into the unit and like in the case of the VHF this is a one-time operation. So be careful what you are typing..

Depending on the flag your boat is registered under you will need to notify authorities about the AIS unit and get your papers updated.

[Tientos]

In Australia, the MMSI is only issued for the AIS, not the radio nor Epirbs. You can never then amend your details in case you accidentally delete it. But they are great on the phone, Best check your own country stipulations. Cheers

[carstenb]

As noted earlier you need a class B transponder. Depending on where you buy them they cost around $500 US (less other places).

Looked at your chart plotter and it does accept AIS data so no problem there.

You will also need either a dedicated VHF antenna for the AIS or an antenna splitter that lets you hook the AIS up to your current VHF antenna (assuming you have a VHF).

SOme AIS manufacturers sell units with a built in antenna splitter. The AIS unit will have its own dedicated GPS unit, which is necessary.

Hooking this up is fairly easy - but like everything on a boat will take you 3 times longer than you estimated

We have this one

em-trak.com

not necessarily recommending it - but it works and we've had no problems in the 3 years we've had it. There are many many others out there

[Tientos]

If you are currently in Singapore but hold another countries' passport, check out Sim Lim Towers. You can buy without the gst component, making another saving.
cheers
Lea

[Allanlowery]

Vesper 850 "Watch Mate"
Easy to use!
Filter out 250 boats (AIS targets) with one button and just view the three that will get the closest to you , on a possible collision course.


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[Hybrid Power]

What about the Vesper Marine XB-6000 that's recently been introduced US$595. Small simple to use meets the class B requirements? Vesper Marine AIS - Hybrid Power Supply