offshore towboats

[quill]

are offshore barges AIS equipped?

[Tkeeth]

Yes they are, by law

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by quill

are offshore barges AIS equipped?

Define offshore "barge", the name covers a whole bunch of offshore vessels that use the name "barge" as a description, so in answer to your question, some do and some don't.....

[GrowleyMonster]

Under US law, non self propelled vessels may not transmit AIS.

Here is the applicable CFR.
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageNam...equirementsRev

And I direct your attention to this...

"(i) Prohibition. Except for maritime support stations (see 47 CFR 80.5) licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), broadcasts from AIS Class A or B devices on aircraft, non-self propelled vessels or from land are prohibited."

In US waters "barge" generally refers to a vessel that is not self propelled and generally not manned during a transit. In some other countries especially in Europe, a "barge" can be a manned and powered vessel generally carrying bulk cargo on rivers and canals without a tug, as well as an American type barge.

A TUGBOAT will generally have AIS. It is required on a self-propelled vessel of 65 feet or more in length, engaged in commercial service, or a towing vessel of 26 feet or more in length and more than 600 horsepower, engaged in commercial service. That pretty much covers any tug that might be towing a barge. So while the barge probably won't have AIS, the tug towing it, will, and his AIS will show that he is towing, along with other pertinent facts about the vessel and its voyage.