Well, at least in the Malacca Straits some buoys are equipped with AIS transmitters sending information on their type, position, light status and weather information.
On the Great Lakes meteorological and hydrological data is broadcasted every 15 mins.

Bureaucrats however still seem to be quite reluctant when it comes to using the full potential of AIS. The systems offers the possibility to broadcast safety messages, tidal windows, info on closed fairways and even re-broadcasting of radar targets that are not equipped with AIS.

Best regards,

Holger

www.yacht-ais.com