Clasification Society Rulefinder 2016 - Version 9.25
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.917(22) – Guidelines for the Onboard Operational Use of Shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) – (Adopted on 29 November 2001) - Annex - Guidelines for the Onboard Operational use of Shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) - Use of AIS in Collision Avoidance Situations

Use of AIS in Collision Avoidance Situations

  39. The potential of AIS as an anti-collision device is recognized and AIS may be recommended as such a device in due time.

  40. Nevertheless, AIS information may be used to assist in collision avoidance decision-making. When using the AIS in the ship-to-ship mode for anti-collision purposes, the following cautionary points should be borne in mind:

  • .1 AIS is an additional source of navigational information. It does not replace, but supports, navigational systems such as radar target-tracking and VTS; and

  • .2 the use of AIS does not negate the responsibility of the OOW to comply at all times with the Collision regulations.

  41. The user should not rely on AIS as the sole information system, but should make use of all safety-relevant information available.

  42. The use of AIS on board ship is not intended to have any special impact on the composition of the navigational watch, which should continue to be determined in accordance with the STCW Convention.

  43. Once a ship has been detected, AIS can assist in tracking it as a target. By monitoring the information broadcast by that target, its actions can also be monitored. Changes in heading and course are, for example, immediately apparent, and many of the problems common to tracking targets by radar, namely clutter, target swap as ships pass close by and target loss following a fast manoeuvre, do not affect AIS. AIS can also assist in the identification of targets, by name or call sign and by ship type and navigational status.

Parent topic: Annex - Guidelines for the Onboard Operational use of Shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)
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