AIS is the most exciting and significant safety tool to appear in years. Worldwide mandated use of AIS on all vessels 300 Gross Tons and more yields valuable collision avoidance benefits for operators of smaller commercial and recreational vessels. All large vessels are required by international regulations to continually and automatically transmit several key vessel parameters via VHF, such as ship name, speed and heading, allowing smaller "passive" AIS-equipped vessels to monitor the threat of collision in a more effective and economical manner. AIS receivers are not expensive, considering the value they offer to smaller vessels at night and in reduced visibility. The AIS Course is a 3-hour AIS theory and operation course, typically using live AIS views of a nearby harbor.
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AIS Text
Text not required. Instructor will provide handouts at the class.
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| AIS Fundamentals |
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| AIS Fundamentals
Overview of the AIS system and regulations affecting carriage of AIS.
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| Interpreting the Display |
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| Interpreting the AIS Display
Examine several different ways AIS can be displayed for the benefit of skipper and crew. Assuming class takes place near a major port, live AIS will be shown on at least two different media. Class will analyze AIS display data for insights into practical operation of AIS and to maximize benefits from the system using scenarios from Pacific Northwest waters.
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| COLREGS & the Practical Application of AIS |
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| COLREGS and the Practical Application of AIS
Examine AIS operation in adverse weather situations to understand practical application of AIS and COLREGS-related concerns.
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| AIS Installation
Discussion of AIS installation concerns and issues, on both sail and power vessels, that may help optimize performance on board.
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