Little Dorrit
Well-Known Member
I have noticed quite a few boats seem to leave their AIS transmitting while safely in a marina. With More and more boats having AIS is it time to have some rules?
AIS always on?
- Thread starter Little Dorrit
- Start date
Robin
Well-Known Member
Some may be unaware as switch off their plotter or display does not switch off the AIS transmitter which is on if the NMEa2000 network is powered up, since all our instruments were on the network turning on the wind or depth instruments would also power the AIS on our Garmin system. WE had an optional tx 'off' switch installed for use offshore if we wanted to be stealthy, but made sure everything was off when going home. Some seem to use theirs as a tracker from home to see if the boat is still there? Also some you see are not actual vessels but positions generated from 'smart'phone apps as I found out accidentally and saw ourselves doing 27kts from restaurant to home one night.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
In my case it is mostly due to carelessness. The AIS has its own switch which is separate from the plotter & instruments, and is not powered through the battery switch. From time to time, I forget to turn it off. On a cruise, it tends to stay on. If someone is unable to change their screen display so that my triangle doesn't impinge on their route, then it's hard cheese as far as I'm concerned.
laika
Well-Known Member
- what actual problem is it causing?
- who do you believe should enforce your proposed rules?
- what do you think the punishment should be for leaving your AIS transmitting in a marina?
(in the absence of good answers to the above my answer is "no")
pvb
Well-Known Member
Of course not, it's harmless fun. It meets the needs of the "look at me, I've got an AIS transponder" brigade, without unduly inconveniencing anyone else. Some of them even leave the marina on occasions.
[70521]
Well-Known Member
pvb
Well-Known Member
Always useful if your boat is stolen
You're right, I'm sure, thieves would never think of turning the AIS off, would they?
Spirit (of Glenans)
Well-Known Member
Always useful if your boat is stolen
No not the time for rules.
I think "Code of Conduct" would be a better term.
The main concern is about needless clutter. Although if it's not a major problem if they are all tied up in port.
From what I can see, on the east coast of Ireland, there is normally one sailing yacht in Dun Laoghaire constantly on, the real offenders are the fishing fleet in Howth and points north.
Pete7
Well-Known Member
laika
Well-Known Member
There's nothing to stop folks from using this thread to collectively decide the circumstances under which tutting is appropriate
My AIS has a handy button to get rid of clutter when not crossing shipping offshore. It's labeled "off".*
*Actually it isn't, it's labeled "DECCA" but it doesn't make such a good punchline.
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penberth3
Well-Known Member
Have a word with the Penlee Lifeboat for a start, currently wasting their battery, tied up at Newlyn.
I actually think its interesting to know who is where at any time.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
I just wonder who these people are with unlimited power - in a marina its presumably not an issue, shore power and all the positions are concentrated in one shore side location. But on a swing mooring - you obviously have more sun in the UK than I remember and everyone has big solar displays and wind gens.
Is theft of yachts that big an issue? Theft from yachts is hardly going to be reduced by leaving your AIS on - there are better ways.
Jonathan
Is theft of yachts that big an issue? Theft from yachts is hardly going to be reduced by leaving your AIS on - there are better ways.
Jonathan
JumbleDuck
Well-Known Member
According to the manual, my HP33A takes 200 - 350mA. Even in Scotland that's easy to get from solar.
laika
Well-Known Member
In the second and third posts forumites have said their leaving AIS on was a mistake. When I alerted a neighbour to the fact his AIS was always on it turned out the guy who installed it hadn't told him it was a separate circuit: my neighbour had been assuming it was turned off with his other instruments.
So at least 3 people reporting that AIS left on on yachts is accidental. Why are people assuming others do it intentionally?
ashtead
Well-Known Member
it does surprise me that a number of vessels leave their electrics and hence AIS on when no one is on board . Leaving aside accidental forgetfulness is there a reason why you would not turn it off when leaving the vessel ? What benefits are derived from keeping it on if any when tied up in marina? Do people do it to have an alarm
if vessel goes out of range when not on board or are there other hidden benefits ? Let's hear from those who leave on please as to benefits to them though before condemning . A
if vessel goes out of range when not on board or are there other hidden benefits ? Let's hear from those who leave on please as to benefits to them though before condemning . A
Neeves
Well-Known Member
One of the benefits was that it added to 'visibility' when at anchor.
Little Dorrit
Well-Known Member
I can see some sense in it being on if you are an 'active' vessel ie ready to go to sea. This would mean lifeboats would be on all the time and for other boats would be useful for safety purposes and would enable quick and easy boat to boat commumnications.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
Apparently, see JD's post #13, it uses virtually no power so not an issue.
JumbleDuck
Well-Known Member
My electrics go on at the start of a cruise and off at the end. I trust them not to burn the boat down when we go ashore for a walk. My AIS stays on all the time, partly because it turns itself on anyway (firmware bug) and partly because my other half likes to follow our progress.
