The Usage Of Automatic Identification System (AIS)

In accordance with the International IMO Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), all ships of 300 gross tonnes and over engaged in international navigation together with cargo ships of 500 gross tonnes and over not engaged in international navigation and all passenger ships, regardless of their size, are required to be equipped with an AIS system. The AIS system is essential for ensuring safe navigation. That is why disabling this system is only permitted in exceptional situations. This information sheet addresses the possible consequences that may occur if the AIS system is deactivated.

What is the AIS system?

The AIS technology was developed by the IMO technical committees to prevent collisions between ships at sea. When at sea, information about a ship's movement and the identity of other ships in the vicinity are critical for navigators to make decisions to avoid collisions with other ships and hazardous circumstances (sandbanks or rocks). This is where