Dave Baker wrote:
On 23 Mar 2006 13:31:15 -0800, "Pascal" wrote:


This is posted on the IMO page: what are the concerns ans
implications? I have seen many people broadcasting the ships
positions on the webb.

The Committee condemned the regrettable publication on the world-wide
web, or elsewhere, of AIS data transmitted by ships and urged Member
Governments, subject to the provisions of their national laws, to
discourage those who make available AIS data to others for
publication on the world-wide web, or elsewhere from doing so.

This was scare-mongering to try to stop the free dissemination of
data from places like AIS Live, etc.

AIS Live went subscription model instead, and is still happily
sending data to subscribers via the web - I guess terrorists don't
own credit cards either? :-)

However, it's all come to light a few days ago:

http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/5061
"A new strategy published by the Department for Transport today
details the areas where AIS technology could bring significant
benefits beyond its primary function of monitoring ship movements,
and how the data it provides could open some commercial revenue
opportunities to offset its own running costs."

with the important bit being "commercial revenue opportunities" -
seems the IMO member states are going to start selling the data now
they've scared away the private individuals from doing the same thing?

Dave

Can you zig-zag a 300,00-ton tanker? It shouldn't be too difficult, and as
for pirates, why don't we just shoot the *******s, an RPG can sink a largish
ship very quickly, and it's such fun to watch these assholes struggling in
the water. Don't forget to take your binoculars along with the launcher.

Another option is for those who are anti-violence just to forget AIS, and
leave us all in peace.