The use of non-compliant AIS devices, such as AIS Fish Net Buoys, is illegal and has the potential to disrupt important maritime communications, according to an advisory released by the Federal Communications Commission on Friday, June 14, 2019.
As reported by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service:
Story by Walter Ham
WASHINGTON – Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a navigation-communication tool designed to mitigate collisions and enhance situational awareness by exchanging real-time vessel navigation information autonomously and continuously.
However, according to U.S. Coast Guard officials, AIS equipment that is non-compliant with adopted international standards can confuse, degrade or even disrupt other users’ systems.
“In the last year, the Coast Guard has received various reports from perplexed AIS users who have seen various unknown and erratic targets appearing on their AIS,” said Jorge Arroyo from the Coast Guard’s Navigation Technology and Risk Management Division. “Many of which were unable to be ‘seen’ on radar or visually.”
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Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS)
DVIDS is a state-of-the-art, 24/7 operation owned by DMA (Defense Media Activity) that provides a timely, accurate and reliable connection between the media around the world and the military serving at home and abroad.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.
Shine Micro, Inc.
Shine Micro is the pioneer of high-sensitivity Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers for aircraft and long-range, real-time, persistent vessel tracking. Shine Micro specializes in innovation and optimization of AIS, including Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring and Small Vessel Tracking (SVT). Shine Micro proprietary ESP features are used to detect non-compliant AIS devices for regulation and enforcement.