11.5 Automatic Identification System (AIS)

Irish Search and Rescue Region

Emergency Procedures

11.5 Automatic Identification System (AIS)

must also carry AIS. It is important to note that there may still be a large number of vessels not fitted with AIS. It is a useful identification tool but should not be used as a means of collision avoidance as not all vessels are required to carry AIS. Another useful AIS feature is that navigation aids such as buoys and lighthouses are increasingly being fitted with AIS transponders to assist with identification. AIS Search And Rescue Transponders (SART) are also available that can assist in locating a casualty in a Search and Rescue situation.

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an automatic tracking system used on ships and by vessel traffic services (VTS) for identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data. AIS has been widely adopted and can be a useful tool on board recreational vessels. It can assist in identifying larger vessels as all passenger ships must have AIS. All ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages, as well as cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards on domestic voyages,