We have been traveling with a newly installed AIS (Automatic Information System) onboard. Most commercial vessels are now required to carry an AIS transmitter with transmits the vessel's name, type vessel, course, speed, destination, length, beam and status (ie, moored, underway, anchored).
This information plus a graphic plot appears on our chartplotter (Nobeltec). It also displays closest point of approach (CPA) and time of CPA.
What a truly amazing piece of equipment even in clear weather. While off Sandy Hook, NJ we had information on 159 ships, some over 80 miles away! Watching the Staten Island Ferry cross NY harbor (at 14 kts) gave us a sense of security knowing where it is and will be.
Photo: Chartplotter with AIS targets entering NY harbor.
Photo: Leaving C & D Canal with tug (Siberian Sea) and barge ahea
d of us.
Photo: "Siberian Sea" passing off our port side.
1 comment:
AIS is certainly a great tool. We use it constantly on Puget Sound. I see you are headed for Lake Champlain. I used to be a ferry captain there. I will be curious to see if you find much AIS use on the lake. Have a good trip.
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