Martin Baxter wrote:
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


This is an IMO requirement, in the main. Possibly, individual
governments are opting for early implementing of some aspects and I
believe I'm hearing of some concerns regarding cost and need for the
system on some vessels, such as the one you mention.
When it's totally up and running and the cost come down, although I
think it will still be too costly for the average boater, at least they
should have the ability to have a receiver to make use of the info
available.

otn