L3 Technologies AIS User Manual

ProTec

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

HARDWARE

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

communications

Rev. 02

AIS PART NUMBER

AISA1000--00

P/N: 165M0014--00July 29/03

Aviation Recorders

Marine Systems

AIS Hardware I&O Manual 165M0014--00

The AIS products/software are being exported from the
United States in accordance with the Export Adminis­tration Regulations ECCN 4D994, No License Re­quired. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. In
accordance with U.S. Law (31 CFR Part 746, and Sup­plement No.1 to Part 774, and CFR Part 550) resale/re-­export or transfer to the countries identified therein is
prohibited without the prior written consent of the U.S.
Department of Commerce.

This manual contains date sensitive information.
To verify the latest revision level of this manual,
visit our document download site at
http://www.L--3ar.net.

Rev. 02

July 29/03

ECopyright 2003 by L-3 Communications.

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be re­producedorutilizedinanyformor byan y means, elec­tronicormechanical,includingphotocopying, record­ing, or by information storage and retrieval system,
without permission in writing.

Inquiries should be addressed to:
L-3 Communications
Aviation Recorders Publications
Vendor Code: 06141
P. O. Box 3041
Sarasota, Florida 34230
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

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GENERAL

This product and related documentation must be reviewed for familiarization with safety
markings and instructions before operation.

This board was constructed in an ESD (electro–static discharge) protected environment. This is
because most of the semiconductor devices used in this board are susceptible to damage by static
discharge.

Depending on the magnitude of the charge, device substrates can be punctured or destroyed by
contact or mere proximity of a static charge. The results can cause degradation of device perfor­mance, early failure, or immediate destruction.

These charges are generated in numerous ways such as simple contact, separation of materials,
and normal motions of persons working with static sensitive devices.

When handling or servicing equipment containing static sensitive devices, adequate precautions
must be taken to prevent device damage or destruction.

Only those who are thoroughly familiar with industry accepted techniques for handling static sen­sitive devices should attempt to service circuitry with these devices.

In all instances, measures must be taken to prevent static charge build–up on work surfaces and
persons handling the devices.

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RETURN MATERIAL

Components and spare parts purchased from L--3 that are discrepant for any of the following reasons may be re­turned immediately provided the extended value of the parts are in excess of $100.00.

1. Overshipments

Quantityof parts received in excess of quantity specifiedon purchase order.

2. Wrong Part Numbers

Receipt of parts numbered other than those identified on a customer order where L--3 has not advised the cus­tomer by purchase order acknowledgment, by telex,or by notification on the shipping document that the received
part is a replacement for the ordered part.

3. Parts Nonconforming to Specifications

If the extended value of the items is less than $100.00, the items are to be scrapped instead of returned. When
this occurs, notification must be sent to L--3 advising: (1) the reason for the rejection;(2) the items are less than
$100.00 in extended value and have been scrapped, and; (3) whether credit or replacement is desired.

If you wish to return material to L--3 for reasons other than warranty returns or those specified above, please contact
an L--3 Account Administrator for authorization before proceeding. A Return Authorization Number will be assigned at
this time. Your request should specify the relevant Return Authorization Number,purchase order number,part num­ber,quantityand the reason you wish the part returned.

To assist us in processing these items more efficiently, we ask that all returned goods be accompanied by paperwork
that clearly indicatesthe following:

POLICY

1. Reason for return.

2. Purchase Order Numbers.

3. Correspondence Reference Number.

4. Return Authorization Number.

4. Copies of returned goods paperwork should be mailed to:

L--3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
AVIATION RECORDERS DIVISION
P. O. Box 3041
Sarasota, FL 34230--3041
Attn: Tom Meloche / Marine Systems Product Support Department

5. Parts returned under the above conditions should be addressed to:

L--3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
AVIATION RECORDERS DIVISION
6000 E. Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
Attn: SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Component and spare parts purchased from L--3 that have been on the customer’sshelf for more than 10 weeks from
date of receipt; have been installed in a component or on a v essel, are not covered by this procedure. Such parts
may be covered by warranty in which case they should be returned through normal warranty channels.

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RETURN OF MA TERIAL UNDER W

1. Materialshould be returned to the following address:

L--3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
AVIATION RECORDERS DIVISION
6000 E. Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
Attn: WARRANTY RETURNS

2. For returning overseas shipments, the following customs broker must be used:

L--3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
AVIATION RECORDERS DIVISION
c/o A.J. Arango
Air Cargo Bldg.
Hoover Blvd.
Tampa Int’l Airport
Tampa, Florida 33634
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

To ensure prompt handling of materialreturned under warranty, your return order and shipment should clearly
identifythe item as a warranty return, and a copy of such return order should accompany the shipment. Status of
warranty in process will be provided by the Warranty Administrator.

ARRANTY

3. Warranty claims and warranty return orders pertaining to components and spare parts returned should be
mailed to the following address:

L--3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
AVIATION RECORDERS DIVISION
P. O. Box 3041
Sarasota, FL 34230--3041

Attn: Marine Systems Warranty Administrator

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

RETURNED GOODS

Goods returnedto stock for credit at the request of the Buyer and authorized by the Seller, will be subject to a restock­ing charge of 10% of the purchase price if notified within 30 days of the order,and 25% of the purchase price if notified
after 30 days of the order.

CANCELLATION CHARGE

Any order wishing to be canceled must be approved by the pertinent Account Administratorand may be accountable
for a cancellation fee of 15%. This cancellation fee shall take into account expenses already incurred and commit­ments made by L --3.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

SUBJECT/DESCRIPTION PAGE
SECTION 1 -- ProTec AIS Introduction

1.1. General 1--3.................................................................

1.1.1. System Overview 1--3.........................................................

1.1.2. References 1--4..............................................................

1.1.3. Acronyms 1--5................................................................

1.2. Technical Specifications 1-- 6...................................................

1.3. AIS Description 1--8...........................................................

1.3.1. Compact Design 1--8..........................................................

1.3.2. Integral Minimum Keyboard Display (MKD) 1--8..................................

1.3.3. Integral GPS 1--8.............................................................

1.3.4. Data Interface 1--8............................................................

1.3.5. Equipment List 1--9...........................................................

1.3.6. Operational Modes 1--10......................................................

1.3.6.1Autonomous and Continuous 1--10.............................................

1.3.6.2Assigned 1--10...............................................................

1.3.6.3Polled 1--10..................................................................

1.3.6.4Initialization 1--10.............................................................

1.3.7. DSC Functionality 1--11.......................................................

1.3.8. AIS Broadcast Parameters 1--11................................................

1.3.9. AIS Frequencies 1--12.........................................................

1.4. Interface Description 1--13.....................................................

1.4.1. Pilot Systems Input Data and Formats 1--13......................................

1.4.2. Pilot Systems Output Data and Formats 1--14....................................

1.4.3. Pilot Input / Output Port 1--14..................................................

1.4.4. Long Range equipment interface 1--15..........................................

1.4.5. Long Range Input Data and Formats 1--15.......................................

1.4.6. Long Range Output Data and Formats 1--16.....................................

1.4.7. Sensor Input Data and Formats 1--18...........................................

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Continued)

SUBJECT/DESCRIPTION PAGE
SECTION 2 -- ProTec AIS Operation

2.1. Operation 2--3................................................................

2.1.1. MinimumKeyboard Display 2--3................................................

2.1.1.1Power/Dim Control 2--4........................................................

2.1.1.2Liquid Crystal Display 2--4.....................................................

2.1.1.3Key Pad 2--4.................................................................

2.1.1.4Pilot Port 2--4................................................................

2.1.2. Keypad Description 2--4.......................................................

2.1.3. Data Display Screens 2--6.....................................................

2.1.4. Data Entry Screens 2--8.......................................................

2.1.4.1Vessel Data Setup 2--9........................................................

2.1.4.2Channel Management 2--11....................................................

2.1.4.3Antenna Position 2 --12........................................................

2.1.4.4Text Messaging 2--13.........................................................

2.1.4.5Password Entry 2--15.........................................................

2.1.4.6Change Password 2--16.......................................................

2.1.4.7System Alert Screen 2--17.....................................................

2.1.4.8Alarm Status 2--17............................................................

2.1.4.9Down--Time Log 2-- 18.........................................................

SECTION 3 -- ProTec AIS Installation

3.1. Installation 3--3...............................................................

3.1.1. Transponder 3--4.............................................................

3.1.2. Connecting the IEC Data Interface Cable 3--9....................................

3.1.2.1Data Channels 3--9...........................................................

3.1.2.2Data Cable 3--10.............................................................

3.1.2.3Terminal Block 3--13..........................................................

3.1.3. Installing the VHF Antenna 3--15...............................................

3.1.4. Installing the GPS Antenna 3--16...............................................

3.1.5. PowerUp and Configuration 3--19...............................................

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGE

Figure 1 --1. AIS Transponder 1--6...................................................

Figure 2 --1. AIS Transponder 2--3...................................................

Figure 2 --2. NAV Display Screens 2--6................................................

Figure 2--3. Own Ship Data Display 2--7..............................................

Figure 2--4. System Configuration Screen 2--9........................................

Figure 2--5. Vessel Data Setup 2--11.................................................

Figure 2--6. Channel Management Settings Screen 2--12...............................

Figure 2--7. Antenna Position Screen 2--12...........................................

Figure 2--8. Antenna Position Measurements 2--13....................................

Figure 2--9. Safety Text Message 2--14...............................................

Figure 2--10. Safety Text Review Screen 2--15..........................................

Figure 2--11. Password Entry Screen 2--16.............................................

Figure 2 --12. Password Change Screen 2--17..........................................

Figure 2 --13. System Alert Screen 2 --17...............................................

Figure 2--14. Alarm Status Screen 2--18...............................................

Figure 2 --15. Down--Time Log Screen 2--18............................................

Figure 3--1. AIS Transponder Interconnection Diagram 3--3.............................

Figure 3--2. AIS Transponder O&D Drawing with Trunion Bracket 3--5....................

Figure 3--3. AIS Transponder O&D Drawing 3--6.......................................

Figure 3 --4. AIS Transponder Power Cable 3--7.......................................

Figure 3 --5. Pilot Port Cable 3--8.....................................................

Figure 3--6. AIS Transponder IEC Data Cable 3--10....................................

Figure 3--7. IEC Data Cable Interconnect Diagram 3--11................................

Figure 3 --8. IEC Data Cable External Wiring Diagram 3--12.............................

Figure 3 --9. AIS Transponder Antenna Diagram 3--17..................................

Figure 3 --10. AIS Transponder Rear View 3--18.........................................

Figure 3 --11. AIS Transponder MKD 3--19.............................................

Figure 3 --12. System Configuration Screen 3--20.......................................

Figure 3--13. Vessel Data Setup 3--20.................................................

Figure 3--14. Antenna Position 3--22..................................................

Figure 3--15. Calculating Antenna Position 3--23........................................

Figure 3 --16. Transponder Interconnection Diagram 3--24................................

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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE TITLE PAGE

Table 1--1. AIS Parts List 1 --9.......................................................

Table 1--2. Pilot System High--Speed Input Data Formats 1--13..........................

Table 1--3. Pilot System High --Speed Output Data Formats 1--14........................

Table 1--4. Long Range Input Data and Formats 1--16..................................

Table 1--5. Long Range Output Data and Formats 1--17................................

Table 1--6. Sensor Input Data and Formats 1--18......................................

Table 2--1. Vessel Type Codes 2--10.................................................

Table 2--2. Password Type Menu Screen Access 2--15.................................

Table 3--1. Data Channels 3--9......................................................

Table 3--2. IEC Cable and Junction Box Pinouts 3--14..................................

Table 3--3. Vessel Type Codes 3--21.................................................

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SECTION 1

ProTec

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)

INTRODUCTION

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1.1. General

The L--3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System transponder which is fully
compliant to the technical specifications defined by the IMO and outlined in ITU.R.M
1371--1. The transponder employs the latest radio frequency and SOTDMA and
DSC controller technology to provide a high performance, automated, and reliable
identification system for commercial mariners. The Transponder is a fully automated
system which ties into ship’s navigational instruments to provide automatic transmis­sion of ships identity, status, and maneuvering intentions via standard marine VHF
communication techniques. Sequencing of transmission between all vessels within
VHF range is provided through SOTDMA controlling software to handle high traffic
volume situations.

The Transponder is a fully automated system. This means that once it is installed
and turned on, no maintenance is required to keep it operational. The only time the
user needs to perform any function on the transponder is to change the ship’s Ves­sel/Voyage data as required.

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ProTec AIS Introduction

1.1.1. System Overview

The L--3 ProTec is an Automatic Identification System fully compliant with the IMO
specifications defined in IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 3, IEC 61993--2, and ITU.R
M.1371--1. This AIS transponder has been developed using technology applied in
the design of our VHF DSC Class A radio, a design which has been field tested for
over a decade with over 10000 units operational in the field. With the addition of the
SOTDMA controllers, the L--3 ProTec provides a cost-- effective AIS solution which
will meet the needs of any vessel required to carry AIS. The compact, single--box
design allows the L--3 ProTec to be easily incorporated into any bridge layout thus
simplifying installation and cabling requirements.

The L--3 ProTec has been designed as maintenance-free unit which makes exten­sive use of surface mount technology (SMT). The repair of printed wiring assemblies
(PWAs) containing SMT components requires specialized factory equipment, train­ing, and techniques, therefore, such PWAs are not field-repairable.

As a result, maintenance philosophy for the L--3 ProTec is replacement of failed as­semblies. In the case of the L--3 ProTec, the replaceable assemblies are the RF
Main PWA (205M0023--00), the Channel 70 PWA (205M0003--01), the Computer
PWA (p/n: 205M0272 --00), the Display PWA (205M0051--00), the IEC PWA
(205M0274--00), and the Controller PWA (205M0008--00).

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When it has been determined that one or more of these assemblies is faulty, the
faulty assembly(ies) should be removed and returned to the Aviation Recorders fac­tory for repair or replacement. Attempts to repair any of these assemblies will void
the warranty. Extreme care should be used when handling these assemblies.

For repair service, ship units to:

L--3 Communications, Aviation Recorders
6000 East Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232 USA
Attn: Repair Department
Tel: [phone]
Fax #: [phone]

CAUTION

: THE L--3 ProTec CIRCUIT BOARDS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO

1.1.2. References

IMO Resolution MSC.74(69), Annex 3, Recommendation on Performance Standards
for an Universal Shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)

IMO SN/Circ. 227, Guidelines for the INstallation of a Shipborne Automatic Identifi­cation System (AIS)

International Telecommunications Union Sector for Radio Communications (ITU--R)
Recommendation M.1371-- 1, Technical Characteristics for a Universal Shipborne
Automatic Identification System Using Time Division Multiple Access in the Maritime
Mobile Band.

ELECTROSTATIC DESTRUCTION (ESD). PRIOR TO HANDLING
PWAs, ENSURE PROPER PERSONNEL GROUNDING TECH­NIQUES ARE USED. ENSURE THAT CARDS ARE PLACED INTO
STATIC SHIELDING CONDUCTIVE BAGS WHEN HANDLING OR
STORING.

IEC 61993--2 Ed.1, Maritime Navigation and Radiocommunication Requirements -­Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) -- Part 2: Class A shipborne Equipment of the
Universal Automatic Identification System (AIS) -- Operational and Performance Re­quirements, Methods of Test and Required Test Results

IEC 60945 Ed. 4, Maritime Navigation and Radiocommunication Equipment and
Systems -- General Requirements -- Methods of Testing and Required Test Results.

IALA Recommendation on AIS Shore Stations and Networking Aspects Relating to
the AIS Service, Edition 1.0, September 5, 2002

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1.1.3. Acronyms

ABM Addressed Binary Message
ABK Ackowledgement Message
ACA AIS Channel Assigment
ACK Ackowledgement Message
BBM Broadcast Binary Message
COG Course Over Ground
DGPS Differential Global Positiioning System
GGA Global Positioning Fix Data
GLL Geographic Position, Latitude/Longitude
GPS Global Positiioning System
GSA GPS DOP and Active Satellites
GSV GPS Satellites in View
HDG Heading, Deviation & Variation
HDT Heading, True

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IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IMO International Maritime Organization
LRF Long Range Function
LFI Long Range Interrogation
MMSI Maritime Mobile Service ID
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
RMC Recommended Minimum Data for GPS
ROT Rate of Turn
SOG Speed Over Ground
SOTDMA Self Organized Time Division Multiple Access
SSD Station Static Data
TDS Target Display Software
TXT Status/Indication Message
VBW Dual Ground/Water Speed
VDO VHF Data--link Own--vessel Message
VSD Voyage Static Data
VTG Track Made Good and Ground Speed
ZDA Date and Time

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NOTE:

1. Front Panel Mating Connectors
Pilot Port -- L3 PN: 063-- 98--02113

TYCO PN: 206485--1

Figure 1--1. AIS Transponder

1.2. Technical Specifications

Standards IMO MSC.74(69) Annex 3, IEC 61993--2, ITU.R.M.1371--1
Ship reporting capacity

2250 reports per minute, 4500 reports per minute on two channels

TDMA Transmitter

TX Frequency: 156.025 MHz -- 162.025 MHz, manual/automatic setting
Transmitter Power: 2 W, 12.5 W manual/automatic selection

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TDMA Receiver

RX Frequency: 156.025 MHz -- 162.025 MHz, 2 channels
RX1: Default CH87B (161.975 MHz), manual/automatic setting
RX2: Default CH88B (162.025 MHz), manual/automatic setting
Channel Spacing: 25 kHz and 12.5 kHz

DSC Receiver

RX Frequency: CH70 (156.525 MHz)

Internal GPS Receiver

12 Channel, UTC Synchronization Jitter (time between slot start and transmitter on):
± 100 μs

Navigational data

COG/SOG, ROT, POS, Heading from external sources

Display

Integral MKD with 160 x 64 Dots backlit LCD

INTERFACE
Input ABM,ACA,ACK,AIR,BBM,DTM,GBS,GGA,GLL,GNS,HDT,

OSD,

SSD, RMC, ROT, VBW, VSD, VTG

Output ABK, VDO, VDM, ACA, ACS, ALR, LRF, LR1, LR2, LR3, TXT
Power Supply

12--24 VDC nominal, complies with IEC 60945

Power Supply requirements, 2.5--5 A, 115/230 VAC with Converter

Environment

IEC 60945 for Protected Environment

Frequency

VHF Marine Band

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1.3. AIS Description

1.3.1. Compact Design

The completely self--contained L--3 ProTec is the most compact AIS unit available on
the market today with outside dimensions of 6.5” W (16.5 cm) x 3.4” H (8.6 cm) x

7.4” D (18.8 cm). It is easily mounted on any surface using either a trunion bracket
or flush--mount bracket. The data port o n the faceplate provides for easy connection
to any external display in either mounting configuration.

1.3.2. Integral Minimum Keyboard Display (MKD)

In line with the compact design, the L--3 ProTec is a single--box design incorporating
an integral MKD which is fully IMO compliant. The interface includes a of 2.58” L (6.5
cm) x 1.16” H (2.9 cm) (160 x 64 Dots) backlit LCD screen for displaying alphanu­meric text and a multifunction keypad. The closest three vessels within AIS range
will be displayed with each vessel identified by MMSI and ship name and will display
both range and bearing to each vessel.

The interface has been designed to facilitate data entry and retrieval with a minimum
of keystrokes. It also includes a Pilot port designed to allow any user to quickly and
easily attach a portable AIS--compatible display system directly to the AIS trans­ponder for display of the AIS data. This display system can consist of any system
which recognizes the NMEA AIS string whether it’s installed on a handheld PC, lap­top PC, or dedicated display.

1.3.3. Integral GPS

The L--3 ProTec includes an internal GPS receiver card. The internal GPS provides
timing data required for synchronization of transmission. By specifications, ship posi­tional information in NMEA format is to be fed to the transponder from the ships ex­ternal electronic position indicating system through the supplied data cable. The in­ternal GPS requires a dedicated GPS antenna to be mounted on the superstructure
and the appropriate connections are supplied on the transponder unit back panel.

1.3.4. Data Interface

Each transponder will be delivered with an IEC--specified NMEA standard data cable
required to interface to ship’s sensors and external display. The description of this
interface cable is given in the Installation Section of this manual. The standard kit
includes an eight (8) ft. (2.5 meters) cable and a terminal block to facilitate the final
linkup to the ship’s navigational instruments.

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1.3.5. Equipment List

The Standard AIS Installation Kit includes the following equipment:

F Transponder Unit with Trunion OR Flush Mount
F IEC NMEA Data Cable
F Terminal Block (for data interface)
F Power Cable
F Installation Manual and parts kit

In order to complete the installation, the following items will be required.

F GPS Antenna with coaxial cable
F VHF Antenna with coaxial cable
F Gyro Interface (if gyro output is not NMEA)
F DGPS Interface (if ships DGPS output is not NMEA)

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Table 1--1. AIS Parts List

Component Part Number

Transponder AISA1000--00
Trunion Mount 0780019011
Flush Mount 0010019002
IEC Cable 024M0088--00
Power Cable 024M0086--00
Pilot Port Cable 024M0099--00
12V DC Power Supply

(AC/DC Power Converter)

0810006015

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1.3.6. Operational Modes

The ProTec AIS is designed to operate in each of three modes: Autonomous and
Continuous, Assigned and Polled which are defined below.

1.3.6.1 Autonomous and Continuous

This is the default mode. The ProTec AIS will determine its own schedule for trans­mission of position and identification and will automatically resolve scheduling con­flicts with o ther stations using the Self Organized Time Division Multiple Access
(SOTDMA) methodology.

1.3.6.2 Assigned

The ProTec will automatically switch to assigned mode when it is commanded by a
competent authority, such as a base or repeater station, to transmit on a specific
transmission schedule. In this mode, the ProTec allocates the defined slots and be­gins transmitting on these slots. It will continue to transmit in these slots with a zero
slot time--out and a zero slot offset, until those slots have been removed from the
transmission schedule. The assigned slots use the SOTDMA access scheme, with
the time--out value set to the assigned slot time--out. The assignment terminates
when the slot time--out reaches zero of any assigned slot, and the ProTec returns to
autonomous and continuous mode.

1.3.6.3 Polled

The ProTec AIS will transmit a response to DSC interrogation messages from a ship
or competent authority and respond back on the same channel without interfering
with either of the other two modes. When an automatic response is required, trans­mitted responses will be made on channel 70 unless the unit is instructed to transmit
on another channel. The ProTec is inhibited from transmitting on the AIS 1 and AIS
2 channels. If and when frequency channels other than channel 70 are used for
DSC transmissions, the receive capability of TDMA operations should not be
impaired more than it would be if all DSC messages were transmitted on channel

70.

1.3.6.4 Initialization

The ProTec AIS will enter into an Initialization mode at Power--Up during which it will
monitor the TDMA channels for one minute. During this initialization period, a dy­namic directory of all users in the system will be created which includes user ID’s,
slot assignments, positions, and other transmitted data. After this initialization period
of 1 minute, the ProTec will enter the required operational mode and begin transmis­sion of the AIS data on the required schedule.

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1.3.7. DSC Functionality

The Assigned and Polled operational modes are activated through a DSC message
transmitted by the competent authority. In order to provide for this, the ProTec AIS
contains a dedicated DSC receiver that is tuned to channel 70. DSC messages
originating from shore stations of competent authorities will define regional AIS fre­quencies, regions of coverage, required transmission schedule and/or interrogation
request. The ProTec AIS will respond back to such DSC interrogations on the fre­quency specified in a manner such that it does not interfere with the TDMA transmis­sions by interleaving the transmission between TDMA transmissions. The DSC re­sponse will be made after a random delay of 0 -- 20 secs provided the signaling
channel is clear and the TDMA transmissions are not interrupted.

1.3.8. AIS Broadcast Parameters

A Class A AIS unit broadcasts the following information every 2 to 10 seconds while
underway, and every 3 minutes while at anchor at a power level of 12.5 watts. The
information broadcast includes:

Marine Systems

F MMSI number -- unique referenceable identification.
F Navigation status
F Speed over ground -- 1/10 knot resolution.
F Position accuracy -- differential GPS.
F Longitude -- to 1/10000 minute and Latitude -- to 1/10000 minute.
F Course over ground -- relative to true north to 1/10th degree.
F True Heading -- 0 to 359 degrees derived from heading sensor.
F Time stamp -- The universal time to nearest second that this information

was generated.

In addition, the Class A AIS unit broadcasts the following information every 6
minutes:

F MMSI number -- same unique identification used above, links the data

above to described vessel.

F IMO number -- unique referenceable identification (related to ship’s

construction).

F Radio call sign -- international call sign assigned to vessel, often used on

voice radio.

F Name -- Name of ship, 20 characters are provided.
F Type of ship/cargo -- there is a table of possibilities that are available.

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