T&T: AIS Installation - recommendations

[Jim Healy]

Ross,

As you know, the FCC has type approved AIS Class B devices.  Although what
I'm going to say may be unpopular, I advise against installing an AIS
transponder on a pleasure craft.  My recommendation is to install a good
dual channel AIS receiver, which enables you to keep track of commercial
traffic *that carries AIS.*  Not all commercial traffic does; actually, a
small percent of total traffic.  In high traffic areas, the more AIS
transponders there are in the area, the less effective the tool becomes.
There's only so much landscape on a screen, and only so much attention you
should be paying to the screen vs the water, and with lots of targets, it
can easily become a distraction.  Finally, except in certain areas, you will
find it's just not necessary.  Along the east coast and on the Chesapeake,
shipping lanes are well defined, and pleasure craft can easily stay clear.
Only the largest vessels carry AIS.  The Navy does not (use it); potentially
problematic in all east coast ports, and certainly in Norfolk and the
southern Chesapeake.  Many tows do not, and very, very few fishing boats in
the commercial class do.  Vessels without AIS will not see your Class B
signal.  Commercial vessels in sea lanes won't divert for you.  Just my
opinion.  Others will disagree, but I think you should keep a good watch and
save the money to spend elsewhere.

Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary,
currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
AGLCA # 3767
MTOA # 3436