Satellite AIS tracking - another rescue tool?

[parito]

I was just wondering if rescue services are using AIS positions via satellite tracking to determine the last known location of the vessel ?

I know it was not so sophisticated just a few years ago, but now even marinetraffic is offering to track your vessels AIS anywhere on the planet using satellites (managed by google?)

14 eur per month. Sounds like a bargain to me, considering you don't have to add any additional tracking solutions to your boat like SPOT, etc?

[MarkJ]

From what I gather Class A transmits to the satellites no problem as its 25 watts. But Class B is only 2 watts and it doesnt always get to a satellite. So they can't offer tracking as a service to Class B owners.

That doesn't mean that they wouldnt, in an emergency, see if your signal is appearing... But the chances are it would need great atmospherics (whatever) to get there.

[fjwiley1]

I agree that this would be a good Safety feature. Similar to "Flight Following" in the aviation world. Aircraft utilize a "transponder" code but not as many numbers as our MMSI.




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[AnchorageGuy]

it's already in the works, Small vessel satellite-AIS tracking technology developed - Digital Ship - The world leader in maritime IT news . I believe the system is already in use in Europe. Chuck

[AnchorageGuy]

And here's some additional information. http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/183611/f...=1377614119000 . Chuck

[fjwiley1]

Thanks Chuck....my project for tomorrow ...

Remember, Life is Good if ya keepa Smilin......




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[DumnMad]

Good thing about AIS is that nearby vessels can identify and find you. The "Nearby" are the ones that count if you need rescuing.

[barnakiel]

Some time ago cpt Cichocki got lost then found with AIS (class B). And also cpt Socrates was tracked with AIS (I do not know what class, I assume B).

I think it is a very viable technology. We are passive now but we will have class B onboard as soon as another offshore adventure ensues.

Cheers,
b.