Types of AIS

AIS units can be carried on board vessels and aircraft to support maritime safety and search and rescue operations. There are many different types of AIS units and stations:

• AIS units are carried on board vessels
• AIS carried on board aircraft to support maritime safety
• AIS base stations are non-shipborne stations which can relay information from AtoN and vessels
• AIS AtoN which can be a physical aid to navigation or a virtual aid which broadcasts information
• AIS search and rescue transmitters (SART) which are self-contained radio devices used to locate a survival craft or vessel in distress by sending updated position reports
• AIS man overboard units which are designed to be carried by your crew and used in the event of a man overboard situation or other personal emergency.

AIS on board vessels can be classified as Class A and Class B.

AIS class A

AIS is included in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention for: vessels are:

• vessels of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages
• vessels of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages
• passenger ships irrespective of size.

The AIS referred to in the SOLAS convention is often termed ‘AIS Class A’.

AIS class B

AIS Class B is intended for use on non-SOLAS vessels. These can include domestic commercial vessels and pleasure craft.

AIS Class B units have less functionality than Class A units but they operate and communicate with AIS Class A units and other types of AIS units.

Receive only AIS units

Receive only AIS units will pick up transmissions but they won't transmit any information. Using this unit means you will see other vessels but you won't be seen. Receive only AIS units do not need an MMSI.

Specific information on AIS carriage requirements are available in Marine Order 27. Its application includes:

• regulated Australian vessels
• foreign vessels in an Australian port
• entering or leaving an Australian port
• in the internal waters of Australia
• in the territorial sea of Australia other than in the course of innocent passage.

Marine Order 63 highlights the obligations within Australian waters (which are defined in the order) for the Modernised Australian ship tracking and reporting system (MASTREP).

Additional information for domestic commercial vessels is available in the National Standards for Commercial Vessels.

Fishing vessels

Fishing vessels may be required to carry AIS, but any vessel may switch off its AIS if the master believes continual operation may compromise the safety or security of the vessel.

Vessel monitoring systems (VMS) use a different technology to AIS. Information on VMS is available from Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

We are the current holder of an Australia wide Maritime Coast Licence for the AIS frequencies 161.975 MHz (AIS1) and 162.025 MHz (AIS2) in the VHF maritime mobile band. In effect, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have licensed us to operate a limited coast assigned system subject to the conditions laid down in the relevant Maritime Coast Licence Determinations.

We may, at our sole discretion, permit third parties to operate non-shipborne AIS in Australia. As the licence holder, we are bound by the conditions imposed upon it by the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Third parties must also comply with the relevant sections of this Act.

IMO Resolution MSC.140(76) notes that administrations should take steps necessary to ensure the integrity of the radio channels used for AIS in their waters. IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) Annex 3 states that AIS should serve as a means for littoral states to obtain information about ships and be used as a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) tool. Therefore, it is envisaged that applications for non-shipborne AIS would be limited to state or port authorities.

This document sets out our guidelines for implementation of non-shipborne AIS.

Guidelines for implementation of non-shipborne AIS

The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure a consistent approach to the use of AIS in Australia, and to ensure that all AIS units using the same AIS frequencies work in a coherent manner, providing stable use of the spectrum. We require particular information when processing applications to use AIS.

Scope

Non-shipborne AIS installations in Australia.

Abbreviations

Definitions

Background

AIS can be fitted on fixed and floating structures to assist with positive identification of these structures by passing vessels. AIS may also be used to assist those operating vessel traffic services to monitor vessel traffic in their area of interest including potential and real entry into exclusion or restricted areas.

Given many AIS transmitters may be used in any one area, a level of control, integrity and protection of the AIS VDL is required in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.347(91).

We monitor the use of the AIS VDL and issue all Australian MMSI numbers, AIS licences and FATDMA time slots to owners of non-shipborne AIS transmitters. This ensures there is no interference from co-located services, and provide a level of control to ensure integrity and protection of the AIS VDL.

We will evaluate each application, to ensure that the purpose of installation aligns with current, internationally accepted aims and objectives for AIS ashore, including IMO, ITU, IALA and IEC guidance.

These guidelines have been developed in consultation with Australian Ports and Port authorities through the Australian AIS working group. They are intended to ensure every installation works correctly and provides reliable service.

Requirements

General

We will assess each application on its nautical requirement for AIS in support of navigation. AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoN) will be marked with appropriate Message 21 coding as contained in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R M.1371.

AIS base station transmissions will be identified with appropriate maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), as defined in Article 19 of the Radio Regulations, and Recommendation ITU-R M.585. AIS units should only transmit if a valid and authorised MMSI is programmed. An AIS base station will be used to reserve the FATDMA slots used by AIS AtoN in the footprint of the AIS base station.

Non-shipborne AIS will be certified to the latest edition of the relevant IEC testing standard (IEC 62320-1 for AIS base stations; IEC 62320-2 for AIS AtoN). On receiving an application, we will liaise with the applicant and ACMA to licence the non-shipborne AIS unit. We will provide the applicant with the authorised MMSI and the authorised FATDMA slot allocations for all non-shipborne AIS, used on offshore structures and facilities.

To apply for non-shipborne AIS equipment, use AMSA Form 234a for AIS base stations and AMSA Form 234b for AIS AtoN. Further information is provided in our policy for the licensing of non-shipborne AIS units.

Equipment

AtoN

The AIS AtoN may be an AIS AtoN Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3 as described in IEC 62320-2. The defining dimensions of the offshore structure must be transmitted in accordance with Message 21 as outlined in the most recent edition of Recommendation ITU-R M.1371.

If the AIS AtoN is not within VHF radio range of an existing AIS base station, then a new AIS base station should be established within the VHF radio range of the AIS AtoN to ensure the integrity of the FATDMA reservations, and monitoring of the AIS AtoN.

Base Station

All AIS AtoN and AIS base stations are to be identified in accordance with the most recent edition of Recommendation ITU-R M.585.

Supporting documentation

AMSA guidelines for use of AIS on offshore structures.

Those planning to operate AIS stations ashore in Australia and implementing AIS aids to navigation, fixed or floating should read ths policy.

Our policy for licensing third parties

We are the current holder of an Australia wide Maritime Coast Licence for the AIS frequencies 161.975 MHz (AIS1) and 162.025 MHz (AIS2) in the VHF maritime mobile band. In effect, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has licensed us to operate a limited coast assigned system subject to the conditions laid down in the relevant Maritime Coast Licence Determinations.

We may, at our sole discretion, permit third parties to operate non-shipborne AIS in Australia. IMO Resolution MSC140(76) notes that administrations should take steps necessary to ensure the integrity of the radio channels used for AIS in their waters. IMO Resolution MSC74(69) Annex 3 states that AIS should serve as a means for littoral states to obtain information about ships and be used as a vessel traffic service (VTS) tool. Therefore, it is envisaged that applications for non-shipborne AIS would be limited to state or port authorities.

As the licence holder, we are bound by the conditions imposed upon us by the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Our policy is that third parties must also comply with the relevant sections of this Act. In particular, no interference shall be caused to any radiocommunication station or service and no protection from interference by such stations or services shall be afforded. It is our policy to:

1. Evaluate each application, to ensure that the purpose of installation aligns with current, internationally accepted aims and objectives for AIS ashore, including IMO, ITU, IALA and IEC guidance.
2. Liaise with and apply to ACMA on behalf of any third party.
3. Require all non-shipborne AIS transceivers to be licensed.
4. Seek cooperation of licensees when carrying out FATDMA planning (the reservation of time slots for use by base stations in proximity of one another).
5. Waive the requirement to licence AIS 'receive-only' units, as long they do not cause any radio interference with other stations but request that we be notified of all AIS receive only installations.
6. Access AIS data (real time and historic) received by licensed third parties, on a needs basis. The data is to be provided free of cost to us. We will arrange and pay for any network and associated communication costs.
7. Require third parties to transmit safety, environment protection or SAR related information, from time to time, on our behalf. This facility is to be provided without any charge to us. We will arrange and pay for any network and associated communication costs.
8. Pass on all fees and charges that ACMA may levy for registering third parties
9. Charge a fee for service for administrative costs associated with third party licensing.

Procedure for third party authorisation

Interested third parties are required to apply through us for third party authorisations.

Broadly, authorisation may be obtained provided the following conditions are met:

1. The purpose of installation aligns with our AIS policy.
2. The AIS unit complies with the relevant international performance standards.
3. Transmitting equipment is installed so that it does not cause transmission or reception interference.
4. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure standards are met, as set out in the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2015 which may be viewed on the Federal Register of Legislation website.
5. ACMA licence conditions (including qualifications for operators) for the VHF marine band, as set out in the Radiocommu... Licence Conditions (Maritime Coast Licence) Determination 2002, must be complied with.
6. The applicable ACMA fee must be paid.
7. The applicable AMSA fee must be paid.

Applicants wishing to proceed with third party authorisation need to follow the process detailed below:

1. Complete the following forms:
   1. For an AIS  base station: AMSA 234a Australian non-shipborne AIS application.
   2. For an AIS AtoN: AMSA 234b Australian AIS AtoN application.
2. Provide evidence of the AIS station compliance with ITU-R Recommendation M.1371 Series.
3. Agree that the AIS transmitter installation meets ACMA Level 1 compliance. (ie transmitter output power less than 100 watts and transmitting antenna inaccessible to the public.)*
4. Attach a copy of the applicant’s radio operator qualification.
5. Forward the completed forms, paperwork and fees to us, and we will apply to ACMA on behalf of third parties.
6. If successful, the applicant will be required to sign and return the Acknowledgement of Conditions document provided by us.
7. We will issue a Third Party Authorisation to the applicant.
8. Forward a photograph/s following installation to us showing the antenna and the means to prevent access to the general public. If no photograph is available, a description of how the access of the public is prevented is satisfactory. The following are examples of a type of place that is inaccessible to a member of the general public:
   • the area around an antenna that is fenced and where entry is through a locked gate
   • the area around a tower where the tower cannot be climbed except by the use of an external aid.
9. Forward a report to us providing evidence of suitability of installation confirming absence of interference after one month of operation.

* Applicants are advised that it is in the interest of site owners to comply with the ARPANSA Radiation Protection Standard—Maximum exposure levels to radiofrequency fields—3 kHz to 300 GHz. The standard advises of the need to prepare a cumulative radiation hazard plan if other transmitting devices are also installed at or near the site. Further information relating to the standard can be found at ARPANSA. For more information on this topic, visit ACMA's website.

Ongoing requirements

We may carry out periodic audits. This may entail us requesting documentation to be satisfied that the third party continues to comply with prevailing standards and conditions. Additionally, the audit may involve a visit by AMSA staff to the site.

The United States Coast Guard has sounded the alarm over the potential for light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on vessels to compromise reception on VHF frequencies used for radiotelephone, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and Automatic Identification System (AIS). 

The distance at which the LED lighting starts to have an impact and whether the issue is limited to certain makes of lighting or navigation equipment. The United States Coast Guard has asked the United States marine industry to provide more detail of known incidents.

Due to their energy-saving capability and longer service life, LED lights are commonly used for navigation lighting, searchlights and floodlights, as well as interior and exterior lighting—including those used for visual effect.

The United States Coast Guard said that in one case, radio-frequency interference caused by LED lighting created a hazard that led to a serious safety incident.

‘The maritime rescue coordination centre in a United States port was unable to contact a ship that was involved in a traffic separation scheme incident by VHF radio. That ship also experienced very poor AIS reception. Other ships have also experienced degradation of their VHF receivers (including AIS), caused by their LED navigation lights. LED lighting installed near VHF antennas has also been found to reduce reception.’

Strong radio interference from LED sources may not be immediately apparent to marine radio users, but there is a way to test for LED interference (see below).

If you have experienced LED-lighting interference on your vessel please report it to AMSA.

Report LED-lighting interference to AMSA

Has this happened on your boat? Help us learn more, so we can address the issue.

Send an email to reports@amsa.gov.au with details of:

• make and model of LED lighting
• radios effected
• distance from lighting to antennas and radios effected, and
• any other information that may help us to understand the nature of the problem. 

How to test for LED interference

1. Turn off your LED light.
2. Tune your VHF radio to a quiet channel, such as Channel 73.
3. Adjust your VHF radio’s squelch control until the radio outputs audio noise.
4. Re-adjust the squelch control until the audio noise is quiet—just slightly above the noise threshold.
5. Turn your LED light back on.
6. If the radio starts crackling when you turn on the LED lights, it is likely that the LED lights are affecting both your shipboard VHF marine radio and AIS reception.

Guidelines for installing AIS units have been developed by the International Maritime Organization. Refer to .

Programming an AIS unit depends on specific manufacturer requirements. Incorrect programming of an AIS unit may prevent the accurate display of information about that vessel.

AIS Class A units are user configurable and may need a password to change programmed information. Static data must be programmed correctly and includes ship name, maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) number, length, breadth, and so on.

AIS Class B units may not be user configurable. You may need to contact the manufacturer or retailer for instructions.

Read more about AIS Class A and B units.

MMSI number

All AIS units require a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to operate. MMSIs are allocated according to international standards.

Find out how to get an MMSI in Australia.AIS units are not ‘registered’ in the same way as emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) or emergency beacons.

There are two dedicated frequencies used for AIS:

• AIS 1 (channel 87B)
• AIS 2 (channel 88B). 

Each frequency is divided into 2250 time slots that are repeated every 60 seconds. The AIS units send packets of information which are transmitted in these time slots.

Learn more about how the AIS works by viewing our interactive AIS tutorial.

How displays can vary

Shipborne AIS units autonomously broadcast different AIS messages including:

• 'dynamic data' which includes latitude, longitude, position accuracy, time, course, speed, navigation status
• 'static data' which includes name, dimensions, type, draft, destination and estimated time of arrival.

Position reports are broadcasted frequently (between 2–10 seconds depending on the vessel’s speed, or every 3 minutes if at anchor), while static and voyage related reports are sent every 6 minutes.

It is common for an AIS user to receive numerous position reports from a vessel before the vessel’s name and type.

Displays on public websites

Some publicly available AIS websites are a crowd-based approach to AIS information. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) does not support the display of AIS on public websites. The AIS receivers used for this purpose are not always certified AIS base stations and may not provide accurate or valid data.

Under SOLAS and the relevant IMO guidelines, the master of any vessel has the discretion to turn off the AIS unit if its continual operation might compromise the vessel's safety or security.

Long range identification and tracking

Long range identification and tracking (LRIT) is not the same as AIS and does not replace AIS. AIS cannot be used for LRIT.

LRIT is an international system used to monitor the location of vessels travelling within 1000 nautical miles off the Australian coast. Vessels must willingly provide their location to the LRIT system and its use of satellites mean it can be used anywhere in the world. LRIT was adopted by the International Maritime Organization as an amendment to Chapter V of SOLAS and came into force on 1 January 2008. 

Find out if your vessel should be using LRIT systems PDF534.4 KB.

Policy

Policy for licensing non-shipborne AIS units

Guidelines

Guidelines for the use of non-shipborne AIS units.

Automatic identification systems on offshore structures.

We are the current holder of an Australia wide maritime coast licence for the automatic identification systems (AIS) frequencies 161.975 MHz (AIS1) and 162.025 MHz (AIS2) in the VHF maritime mobile band. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has licensed us to operate a limited coast assigned system subject to the conditions laid down in the relevant maritime coast licence determinations.

We may use our discretion to permit third parties to operate non-shipborne AIS in Australia. As the licence holder, we are bound by the conditions imposed by the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Third parties must also comply with the relevant sections of this Act.

IMO Resolution MSC.140(76) notes that administrations should take steps necessary to ensure the integrity of the radio channels used for AIS in their waters. IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) Annex 3 states that AIS should serve as a means for littoral states to obtain information about ships and be used as a vessel traffic service (VTS) tool. Therefore, it is envisaged that applications for non-shipborne AIS would be limited to state or port authorities.

This document sets out our requirements for AIS deployed on offshore structures and facilities. These include fixed and floating oil and gas production platforms, floating storage facilities, offshore drilling units, large moorings and other potential offshore hazards to navigation.

These guidelines ensure a consistent approach to the use of AIS on offshore structures and facilities in Australia. We require particular information when processing applications to use AIS.

Scope

AIS installations on offshore structures and facilities in Australia.

Abbreviations

Definitions

Background

AIS can be used on offshore structures and facilities to assist with positive identification by transiting and service vessels. AIS may also be used to assist those operating offshore facilities to monitor vessel traffic in their vicinity including potential and real incursions into exclusion or restricted areas.

Given many AIS transmitters may be used in any one area, a level of control, integrity and protection of the AIS VDL is required in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.347(91). We monitor the use of the AIS VDL and issue all Australian MMSI numbers, AIS licences and FATDMA time slots to owners of non-shipborne AIS transmitters to ensure there is no interference from co-located services, and provide a level of control to ensure integrity and protection of the AIS VDL.

We will evaluate each application to ensure that the purpose of installation aligns with current, internationally accepted aims and objectives for AIS ashore including IMO, ITU, IALA and IEC guidance.

These requirements have been developed in consultation with Australian ports via the Australian AIS working group, and the Oil and gas security forum (OGSF). They are intended to ensure every installation works correctly and provides reliable service.

General requirements

We will assess each application on its nautical requirement for AIS in support of navigation.

Not all facilities must be marked with AIS, however, where AIS is used to mark an offshore facility it must be marked as an AtoN.

Offshore facilities marked with AIS AtoN will use the appropriate Message 21 coding as contained in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R M.1371.

FPSOs and MODUs are considered fixed offshore facilities, however, as they are SOLAS vessels, they should change their AIS navigational status when they connect to a riser or the seabed to indicate moored or at anchor. This status will also apply when using dynamic positioning to conducting undersea operations.

AIS fitted on offshore facilities will be certified to the latest edition of the relevant IEC testing standard (IEC 62320-1 for AIS base stations; IEC 62320-2 for AIS AtoN). On receiving an application, we will liaise with the applicant and ACMA to licence AIS AtoN on offshore structures. We will provide the applicant with MMSI and FATDMA slot allocations for all non-shipborne AIS used on offshore structures and facilities.

To apply for non-shipborne AIS equipment, use AMSA Form 234a for AIS base stations, and AMSA Form 234b for AIS AtoN. Further information is available in the policy for the licensing of non-shipborne AIS units.

Equipment requirements

AtoN

The AIS AtoN may be an AIS AtoN Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3, as described in IEC 62320-2. The defining dimensions of the offshore structure must be transmitted in accordance with Message 21 as outlined in the most recent version of recommendation ITU-R M.1371. If the AIS AtoN is not within VHF radio range of an existing AIS base station then a new AIS base station should be established within the VHF radio range of the AIS AtoN to ensure the integrity of the FATDMA reservations, and monitoring of the AIS AtoN.

Base station

All AIS AtoN and AIS base stations are to be identified in accordance with the most recent edition of recommendation ITU-R M.585.

Supporting documentation

• AMSA policy for the licensing of non-shipborne AIS units