AIS alternative to radar?

[joss]

Our once or twice a year channel crossings are the only times when we feel we need radar. With that in mind, would AIS be a better alterntive? AIS appears to simpler to use for a radar novice and is available at at fraction of the cost. Am I oversimplyfing the argument though? I appreciate that radar can be used for navigating coastlines in poor visability but this would only be a secondary benefit. Our main concern is collision avoidance. An option could be to get a laptop based system that overlays the chart, radar and AIS, but we would prefer a fixed system for reliability. The only fixed AIS unit that I am aware of is the new NASA box though. Are there any alterantives? Thanks.

 

[FWB]

Quote from NASA........ we are making an AIS
engine that will send AIS nmea data to PC and plotters etc. This will retail for
about £130. Available eary next year ie this year.

 

[Evadne]

This has been aired, and I think the opinion that I would tend towards is that AIS is only being transmitted by the ships that want to be seen. Over a certain tonnage they are required to have it but then it is not just the law-abiding big ships keeping a good look-out that can run you down. Some ships don't do things that they are required to do by law, and they are the ones you should be worrying about.

 

[joss]

any idea what type of plotters will be able to display the AIS info?

 

[StephenSails]

You can get an idea of the way AIS is useful from live AIS charts here www.aislive.com

I think its just another helpful tool which may help budget sailors stay safer.

 

[FWB]

No I guess we'll have to wait until it comes out. Am delaying buying a chartplotter until I know. I think this device will be useful.

 

[Captain Haddock]

When I visited the NASA stand at the LIBS to ask more questions about the radar I was under the impression the AIS Radar could share your VHF antenna with your radio.

Not so, you need to install an additional seperate VHF antenna something to keep in mind before buying.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Can private yachts carry an AIS transmitter?

 

[bendyone]

At the moment they offer no software, you need to use a chart plotter package, only one tested - Chartwork. £450 quoted at the LIBS yesterday.

 

[joss]

Raymarine tell me that the new displays (E series) MAY be software upgradeable to display AIS info in the future. Also, spoke with Euronav, who have a very impressive PC-based system that does pretty much everything. Problem is that i am not convinced that a PC is a reliable enough platform.

 

[billmacfarlane]

I can't see it as being an alternative to radar. An AIS set will only show who is transmitting and nothing else. A radar will show every boat, yachts, fishing boats, motor cruisers etc. , all capable of making a dent in your gel coat, and all of which you can avoid with a radar set. With a radar you can make accurate decisiions regarding collisions, especially a set with MARPA. You might not know the names of the boats on the screen but who cares ? All you're interested in is not hitting them, not getting on first name terms with them. Rather that get an AIS get yourself a budget radar.

 

[fireball]

But if your budget is £250 then AIS is better than nothing, as long as it is used with the knowledge that it is only some of the info.
Radar is fine - but unless you know how to use it your not much better off.

 

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Radar is fine - but unless you know how to use it your not much better off.

[/ QUOTE ]The same could be said of a PC, or even a toothbrush! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[fireball]

But your not depending on use of toothbrush for your boat safety, unless your using it as a paddle cos you've got a PC controlled engine and the PC crashed again....