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.
