Government holding us back again

[AnchorageGuy]

Our useless government officials are at it again. The release of the use and sale of class B AIS transponders in US waters are being sidelined by FCC bureaucrats that have little consideration for the boating public and any safety issues. The US Coast Guard has ask them to expedite this so they can be sold to the US boating interests. They are available to most of the rest of the world. If you would like to be part of an effort to help move them along visit
Panbo: The Marine Electronics Weblog: FCC & AIS B, time for action!

and send an email to show your support. A sample email and a link to send it to the proper folks can all be found there.

[MarkJ]

Which is a good Class B Transponder to be buying now (from anywhere)?

I want one, especially to keep safe from other forum members....

Theres a few in Australia for pretty high prices and no reviews etc on any.


Mark

[AnchorageGuy]

I have just been informed by one of our mods that my comments that our government is holding us back and the officials are useless was not civil so I do apologize if I offended anyone. This was just my opinion and not meant to create any issues between the government and the Cruisersforum.

[Alan Wheeler]

Chuck, I am not aware of the PM to you, please don't take it as a telling off. I suspect more just advise. What you have stated is not really Political as such and can be considered OK. But the danger comes in when someone replies to your comment and does take it out of the OK box to a Political argument.

I want one, especially to keep safe from other forum members

Mark, I hope you aren't refering to us in FC boats ;-)

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

Mark, I hope you aren't refering to us in FC boats ;-)

No, not at all. I'm refering to anyone on cf.com who has posted in "The Sailor's Confessional (3 Viewing) Stories on things that went wrong while cruising." I'm steerin' clear of you lot!


I didn't know there was a cheaper version of an AIS transmitter + Receiver - transponder. I thought there was just an AIS receiver.

Anyway there is an UK unit for about 525GBP and a US (for sale overseas only) for US$1,000 Shine Radar Plus BX B class model.

I havent heard any reviews of either and at US$1k it is definitely on the shopping list as my life is a great priority and the thought of being run down near the coast of New... hang on, I'm digressing...

Of course, if the US were to allow these units the price would drop substantially!!!!!!!

So, any reviews/thoughts on a Class B AIS Transponder?


Mark

[shadow]

I am actually shocked and offended that people do know any useful politician or government agency!?!

One just has to read through these forums to see a number of examples of archaic protocols, regulations that plague cruisers. It really seems to me that these people go out of their way to make everyone's life as miserable as possible.

I really hope that by the time I finally get a boat, I won't be regulated to death to only being able to own and operate an inner tube to float with.

Just my .000000000000002 pents

[waterworldly]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what exactly is the advantage of a class B AIS transponder?

[GordMay]

A Class “B” transponder is a LOW COST AIS, designed specifically for the small commercial boat, fishing boat and leisure markets.
The concept of Class B was to create a lower cost, smaller and more easily installed transponder, for use on vessels where external heading, rate-of-turn and other sensors are not needed or required.

[AnchorageGuy]

The biggest benefit of a class B tronsponder is that it will broadcast your info and position just like the big ships so you show up on their screens.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

Chuck, I am not aware of the PM to you, please don't take it as a telling off. I suspect more just advise. What you have stated is not really Political as such and can be considered OK. But the danger comes in when someone replies to your comment and does take it out of the OK box to a Political argument.

Mark, I hope you aren't refering to us in FC boats

I believe the word "useless" is in question. No Country can do without a government.

Let's say we just carry on the thread without any more pro or con government comments and just stick to the AIS situation information.

As for the AIS, the Puget Sound is working with the system very well. We can see all the ferries and ships that are cris-crossing the inlets and has probably save us from many accidents in the channels.

I for one would like to see more pleasure craft with them aboard, especially during the foggy/fowl weather conditions.

Live AIS Data From Seattle, Washington

The blue markers are the ferries.

[AnchorageGuy]

Lets try to encourage as many folks as possible to visit the Panbo site and link to the email address and tell them how we feel about the foot dragging. Some of the replies at the end of the post are VERY interesting.

[Rez]

Thanks delmarrey, that was very interesting to look at!