Automatic Information Systems News

Far-reaching international maritime security measures developed and adopted by IMO enter into force on 1 July 2004. The security measures, which include the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), are in the form of amendments to the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and are aimed at enhancing maritime security on board ships and at ship/port interface areas. They were adopted by a Conference on Maritime Security in December 2002. Other amendments to SOLAS entering into force on the same date include requirements for the fitting of water ingress alarms in holds, ballast and dry spaces on bulk carriers and requirements for radar transponders to be fitted in liferafts carried on ro-ro passenger ships.

The Coast Guard's Navigation Safety Advisory Council (NAVSAC) met in San Diego, Calif., on December 10-12, 2001. The agenda included a discussion of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) activities, maritime security challenges, an overview of Coast Guard aids to navigation (ATONs), automatic information systems (AIS), federal and state ballast water and aquatic nuisance initiatives, International Safety Management Code (ISM) implementation and barge lighting and recreational boating incidents. Captain David McFarland, Director of the Office of Coast Survey, NOAA, provided the Council with an overview of NOAA's efforts to conduct surveys of the nation's ports and produce electronic charts and shoreline maps.

Kelvin Hughes is now able to supply both Automatic Information Systems (AIS) and Voyage Data Recorders (VDR), as part of its fully compliant integrated bridge systems (IBS). Saab Transponder Tech, following an original equipment manufacture (OEM) agreement between Saab and Kelvin Hughes, will supply the AIS. AIS systems are being made compulsory as part of the changes to SOLAS V, which go into effect in July 2002. The systems are designed to work in tandem with a ship’s radar system to improve the identification and location of other vessels. Kelvin Hughes had several criteria that were important when selecting a third party AIS supplier including early type approval and hardware availability.

The Canadian Coast Guard has placed orders for 141 Saab TransponderTech marine DGPS receivers in a move to upgrade shipboard navigation systems throughout the fleet. The new Saab DGPS antennas and sensors will replace the stand-alone DGPS receivers currently installed on the vessels. They will be integrated with the existing Saab R4 Automatic Information Systems (AIS) installations, providing a seamless DGPS/AIS solution sharing a common user interface and display. The DGPS systems will be fitted on Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers, buoy tenders, fisheries patrol vessels and search-and-rescue cutters during 2006. The products are being supplied by Austin Navigation, a Saab authorized dealer in Canada.

Saab TransponderTech received orders from the Prefectura of Argentina to supply Automatic Information Systems (AIS) and other navigation systems, in a move to upgrade coastal surveillance capabilities for coast guard cutters. The contract calls for Saab to provide R4 AIS systems with secure communications software on nine vessels. In addition, Saab will supply Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) for three ships. The ECDIS will be integrated with the ships’ AIS installations. Also included is a Saab R4A airborne AIS, which will be integrated with a moving display on a Prefectura helicopter. The systems will be installed and commissioned by America Consulting Group S.A., Saab’s representative in Buenos Aires.

Saab TransponderTech has received orders from the Prefectura of Argentina to supply Automatic Information Systems (AIS) and other navigation systems, in a move to upgrade coastal surveillance capabilities for coast guard cutters. The contract calls for Saab to provide R4 AIS systems with secure communications software on nine vessels. In addition, Saab will supply Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) for three ships. The ECDIS will be integrated with the ships’ AIS installations. Also included is a Saab R4A airborne AIS, which will be integrated with a moving display on a Prefectura helicopter. The systems will be installed and commissioned by America Consulting Group S.A., Saab’s representative in Buenos Aires.