National Security
AIS enables the accurate identification and precise GPS derived position of any vessel. When combined with traditional radar systems, this creates a highly effective and reliable method for authorities to efficiently monitor maritime traffic and quickly identify threats. Effectively, AIS acts as an electronic license plate for vessels.
Many countries around the world have installed a nationwide coastal AIS network. These networks can monitor all maritime traffic fitted with AIS transceivers and when linked to a database of locally registered vessels, instantly establish the identity of any given vessel. Low earth orbit satellites able to receive and process AIS signals will extend the capability of these networks to monitor vessels well beyond the range of shore-station equipment thereby providing trans-oceanic coverage.
The ability to identify a potential threat from an approaching vessel quickly and deploy limited coastal and port authority resources is a considerable benefit to the mariner and the authorities.
The availability of low cost AIS Class B transceivers now makes the fitting of these devices a viable and highly beneficial option on all but the very smallest boats.