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Ship-borne Automatic Identification Systems
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) surveyors has focused on fitting and operation of ship-borne Automatic Inspection Systems (AIS) during port State and flag State control inspections of ships in Australian ports from July 1, 2004.
In its Marine Notice 06/2004, AMSA states that AIS is a valuable tool to enhance the safety of navigation and efficiency of shipping traffic management.
However, to fulfil its role it must be correctly fitted, programmed and integrated effectively into the bridge operations of the vessel. Furthermore, navigational watchkeeping personnel must be competent in its use.
In order to facilitate the effective introduction of AIS, AMSA surveyors are inspecting this equipment from July 1. In particular, they will consider the following:
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Establishing if an AIS unit should be fitted on board the ship (the SOLAS implementation schedule for fitting of AIS on board ships is detailed in the AMSA AIS fact sheet located in the shipping section of the publications page on the AMSA website (www.amsa.gov.au). If no AIS is fitted and this contravenes the SOLAS requirements, then the ship will not be permitted to sail until this is rectified. |
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Verification that the AIS is being kept in operation in accordance with the SOLAS requirements. This requirement is that ships fitted with AIS shall maintain AIS in operation at all times except where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the protection of navigational information. |
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Verification that the static and voyage related information programmed into the AIS is current and correct. |
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In key ports, AMSA surveyors are equipped with test equipment which can verify that the AIS is transmitting and receiving correctly. |
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In carrying out the above, AMSA surveyors will verify that ships crew are familiar with the operation of the equipment. |
Where it is found that the installation or operation of the AIS does not to meet the requirements of SOLAS, appropriate rectification action will be required.
For further information on Port State Control inspection campaigns click link