200102 & 200103 Automatic Identification Systems

Automatic Identification Systems
Report No. 200102/03

MARS 200102

I quite agree that all vessels should be fitted with Automatic Identification Systems even if only to highlight those who abuse the system. Similarly I feel that the adoption of a "Black Box" will also help to reduce incidents.

MARS 200103

AIS is certainly a possible answer to the question you posed in MARS 200032. I normally sail small craft which I believe to be "stealth boats" - fibreglass sailboats. I assume that, radar reflectors notwithstanding, I am not visible to other vessels. So, when in doubt about a situation I usually give position course and speed as early as possible in a VHF conversation.

If there is no response to my VHF calls, I have been known to use PAN PAN to announce my position course and speed. I have probably done that half a dozen times in twenty years. About half of the times I have employed the technique, it has prompted a response from the vessel I had been trying to contact.

The use of the PAN signal should only be used where there is grave danger. It should not be encouraged as a means of alerting other vessels to the presence of a small boat. This could cause a lot of unnecessary alarm for the Coast Guard and other vessels in the area.

Linked to: 200032