T&T: AIS Class B..

[Kim Boyce & Eric Thoman]

John wrote:


I just received the email below from Y-Tronic..  Looks like the Class
B transmitters are beginning to come, well at least in Europe.  I
thought it was interesting a few things they mention in the email.

1) They Pre-Program the transmitters with your information.

2) They point to procedure issues between the FCC and the USCG as to
why it's not here in the US yet.

3) But they still say they would be happy to ship them anywhere in
the world.  I guess we could install them in the US, and maybe
exposing ourselves to some fine.  Does anyone know??

Reply:

I went to a lecture at Pacific Marine Expo a few weeks ago and the speaker
was Mr. Jorge  Arroyo, AIS Regulatory Project Officer, U.S. Coast Guard.  He
was excellent.  As I understand it, the USCG has not yet determined who
exactly should be covered by Class B AIS.  In other words who in the
commercial world that is currently exempted from the Class A requirements
will be required to use it.  This has some bearing on the specs of the
actual equipment.  Today, anything that does not meet the Class A specs is
referred to as Class B.  But, once the Class B regs are out, the
manufacturers will have to meet those specs to be called Class B.  All he
would promise is that they are coming soon.  I am anxious as I want to use
Class B.  It is going to change our world and he was quick to say in ways
that none of us can imagine.  It will be limited only by the creativity of
the software writers.  For example, short term there will be all kinds of
text messaging going on.  He said that we will text message buoys for real
time weather info.  Text message stations for real time tides and currents.
Text message the operator of locks and they will text back your position in
a queue and time for locking through.  Text message a passing plan with
another vessel although this will not replace the radio requirements.  On
and on and on....

A salesman said that the gear will be much easier to install and use.  It
will be USB interfaced with your computer and allow you to use your computer
key board.  They expect the prices to be less than $1500.

I want this for Christmas.  Next year?

Eric Thoman
Abyssinia