otnmbrd wrote:

Had my first look at an active AIS system today. I can see this becoming
a very useful tool, especially for the offshore cruisers and
single-handed sailors.


It became a requirement for all commercial vessels on the St. Seaway/Great Lakes
last year. I thought it was kind of a waste of money to install it on the ferry
I ride twice a day, there's a cable ferry not too far from my home (five miles),
they have to install one, the boat holds three cars (small ones at that) and plies
a course of about 300 metres!

Whoever makes these systems is probably fairly happy with the Canadian Government.

Cheers
Marty