Comments on: AIS Class B Naysayers, Unite!

By: USCG Issues Safety Alert On Class B AIS | Navagear.com

USCG Issues Safety Alert On Class B AIS | Navagear.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 02:27:53 +0000

[...] But don’t panic: It isn’t news to anybody who has followed the development and deployment of this technology, particularly if you paid any attention to the naysayers. [...]

By: Class B AIS Underway | Navagear.com

Class B AIS Underway | Navagear.com — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:09:39 +0000

[...] commercial vessels will find a way to have their equipment ignore Class B targets. Just like the naysayers said they [...]

By: Jeffrey

Jeffrey — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:48:30 +0000

I sometimes run at night on my trawler/passage maker. AIS is a useful tool that I use to supplement the information I have to make navigation decisions. In bad weather it gives me a clear indication of what’s bearing down on me and its a big help. I do have a Nauticast Class B that sadlyI do not use in US waters.

By: Class B AIS: Can’t We All Just Get Along? | Navagear.com

Class B AIS: Can’t We All Just Get Along? | Navagear.com — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:41:57 +0000

[...] a thoughtful comment today on my “AIS Class B Naysayers, Unite!” from back in November. In his comment, Commercial mariner Al Murray shares his point of view [...]

By: Al Murray

Al Murray — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:48:31 +0000

I work on Commercial Ships and have used AIS around the world. A spotty return on AIS, or even in pleasure boating, no return is dangerous. RADAR can not be relied on to warn ships of your presence as the small RADAR reflectors you are relying on are basically useless in any seaway. Small boats are impossible to detect without a good set of Binoculars and know commercial companies are not investing in these either. VHF-FM radio calls are not always effective as very few small boats monitor our working frequencies or when are called can give intelligent information. No one relies strictly on the AIS because by monitoring them we have found they can be spotty, confusing or just wrong data is displayed. However, in the case of small boats we as a big un-maneuverable ship pray for the day pleasure boats give us some sort of data to work with. AIS-B would assist me in planning ahead to maneuver or start calling on VHF to clarify you see each other or are not going to make some strange course change. AIS is a tool and one of several one uses to stand a watch. Heavy traffic is a lot more easier to be in when you have some information to work with. It is scary that one views this as a toy to play with because although it may be a pleasure for you to be on the water ways it is a dangerous place and these tools solve very real problems. Namely not running you over.

By: More Talk About Class B AIS | Navagear.com

More Talk About Class B AIS | Navagear.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:34:33 +0000

[...] this case, Fred Pot’s skepticism about Class B AIS, which we discussed last month, has contributed to a lively discussion over at Panbo; be sure to [...]