will i really find AIS useful?

[Burnham Bob]

I have a small old model chart plotter which won't display AIS, but I do have a laptop running Imray charting software with a USB GPS dongle and which will accept an AIS input.

However, I cruise mainly along the East Coast and the most adventurous voyage will probably be over to Calais, Dunkirk, Ostend or Vlissingen. Passages will be planned in summer and during daylight hours.

I don't run the laptop when I'm sailing, I plan routes and passage plans at home on the desktop, transfer waypoints to the plotter and take the laptop as back up although I always have paper charts and a hard copy of the passage plan with waypoints and compass bearings etc.

I do have a JRC 1000 radar which rarely gets used although in unexpected fog last season it was really useful to see what was coming and make sure it was not on a collision course.


So, the question is, do I really need AIS? Being a self confessed gadget freak I'm tmepted to buy a system that plugs into the laptop. But if I can see what's coming from over the visual horizon with the radar and bearing in mind that when I'm crossing TSSs I'll probably be motor sailing or motoring to minimise crossing times and maximise manouverability so as far as sailing is concerned I won't be the stand on vessel, will it help being able to see the MMSI numbers of ships so i can call them up? I can work out easily on the radar if things are tight. So what does the forum advise?

 

[Otter]

I love it, it's reassuring to see exactly what's out there and its CPA - on three occasions I've called a named ship to clarify what he wants me to do, twice was remain as stand on, once was to alter course, all very sensible. I know there are cases of VHF assisted collision but there are cases of idiot assisted collision, I hit a mooring pile at Fox's without any assistance from VHF

 

[tcm]

hum, i don’t know anyone with ais who says nah, waste of time.

Two sorts of things float in the sea - ships with AIS, and other floating stuff without AIS. Not a difficult decision.

It is only any use once offshore really - people are concentrating insore so not needed in inshore crusing...

 

[prv]

I find the CPA readout quite reassuring when crossing the Channel lanes (west of you and quite a bit wider). It makes the decision whether to alter course or not very easy.

Pete

 

[FWB]

This is worth a look.
http://www.allaboutais.com/index.php/en/
AIS is not transmitted constantly, there are time delays depending on class and speed.

 

[GlennG]

I've got one of those excellent price Standard Horizon CP300 with the NASA AIS engine.

I also cruise around the East Coast and find that I rarely, if ever, use the AIS. The exception is when crossing the North Sea as it really does enable me to see that bit further and decide when to do the Frogger manoeuvre. I would say that it's almost indispensable as I know that should the visibility drop, I'm not going to end up like a bug on a windscreen. Similarly it's great at night.

Sure, it's not the same as fully relying on your wits and observation skills. But then again with the advent of GPS, we've all pretty much ditched that.

So yes, I'd advocate AIS, but only when it's necessary. The rest of the time it's unused.

 

[jimi]

I know you said you sail mainly during daylight so this is probably not relevant! But I've found AIS to be of help at night when distances can be deceptive

 

[PhilipH]

hum, i don’t know anyone with ais who says nah, waste of time.

Two sorts of things float in the sea - ships with AIS, and other floating stuff without AIS. Not a difficult decision.

It is only any use once offshore really - people are concentrating insore so not needed in inshore crusing...

er ... entering New York harbour in very thick fog at 0700 with zillions of fast commuter ferries (25+kts) etc etc - they could call us up on the VHF and and be clear about which side we were being passed and whether we were holding our course. Invaluable.

 

[bbg]

As tcm says, I doubt you'll find anyone who has it who says that it isn't worth it.

FWIW, if it was not already on my next boat, I would fit it.

 

[sailorman]

I have a small old model chart plotter which won't display AIS, but I do have a laptop running Imray charting software with a USB GPS dongle and which will accept an AIS input.

However, I cruise mainly along the East Coast and the most adventurous voyage will probably be over to Calais, Dunkirk, Ostend or Vlissingen. Passages will be planned in summer and during daylight hours.

I don't run the laptop when I'm sailing, I plan routes and passage plans at home on the desktop, transfer waypoints to the plotter and take the laptop as back up although I always have paper charts and a hard copy of the passage plan with waypoints and compass bearings etc.

I do have a JRC 1000 radar which rarely gets used although in unexpected fog last season it was really useful to see what was coming and make sure it was not on a collision course.


So, the question is, do I really need AIS? Being a self confessed gadget freak I'm tmepted to buy a system that plugs into the laptop. But if I can see what's coming from over the visual horizon with the radar and bearing in mind that when I'm crossing TSSs I'll probably be motor sailing or motoring to minimise crossing times and maximise manouverability so as far as sailing is concerned I won't be the stand on vessel, will it help being able to see the MMSI numbers of ships so i can call them up? I can work out easily on the radar if things are tight. So what does the forum advise?

do you use a lappi onboard

 

[Allan]

Most of the time, like other bits of technology, it is just another distraction that scares SWMBO unnecessarily. In some circumstances, like channel crossings, it is invaluable. Crossing the western channel this year we just picked a space and sailed across, knowing we were safe.
I would always have it on the boat but not look at it most of the time.
Allan

 

[jerrytug]

Don't bother. You have the neccessaries and then some to spare,and know what you're doing,it's a distraction. My "mission profile" is similar to yours,and I think AIS would be an illusion of security,better sail the boat and keep a lookout ahead for flotsam.And keep your night vision.Spend the money on nice compass bino's,best wishes Jerry. Edited to add,I have used AIS plenty when crewing for others,nice if you're a ship spotter!

 

[sailorman]

Don't bother. You have the neccessaries and then some to spare,and know what you're doing,it's a distraction. My "mission profile" is similar to yours,and I think AIS would be an illusion of security,better sail the boat and keep a lookout ahead for flotsam.And keep your night vision.Spend the money on nice compass bino's,best wishes Jerry. Edited to add,I have used AIS plenty when crewing for others,nice if you're a ship spotter!

last May we were out by the West Hinder in less than 50 mts viz (we do have radar) when i got home i ordered a Belfield AIS dongle.

 

[tcm]

er ... entering New York harbour in very thick fog at 0700 with zillions of fast commuter ferries (25+kts) etc etc - they could call us up on the VHF and and be clear about which side we were being passed and whether we were holding our course. Invaluable.

ok, i was tranna play it down for the naysayers who think it’s a gimmick. I think it shd be obligatory on boats over a ton, as suggested by timbartlett

 

[Houleaux]

I have radar at the chart table which is great when needed - provided you have sufficient people on board to monitor the screen and sail the boat.

The really big advantage to me of AIS is that I can overlay it on my chart plotter which is mounted where it's visible from the helm. It's therefore much easier to monitor what's around and how they're moving relative to me than it is to dash away from the helm for a glimpse of the radar screen - which may not be enough to judge other vessel's relative course and speed. OK, it doesn't replace the radar as not all vessels (including mine) have AIS transponders fitted. It does take the big boats out of the equation though!

If, as you've said, your AIS would only be used with a laptop (presumably at the chart table), I'm not sure that you'll gain so much from it - although of course it does enable you to call up ships with their MMSIs, and the course and speed info is useful.

As a self confessed gadget freak, I'm sure you'll find sufficient justification to buy one! It will use less power than the radar too!

 

[Allan]

For the OP, I bought an Advansea RX-100 which I would recommend. There may be others of a similar design but I chose it as it gives outputs to both chartplotter and PC.
Allan

 

[Paulka]

Don't bother. You have the neccessaries and then some to spare,and know what you're doing,it's a distraction. My "mission profile" is similar to yours,and I think AIS would be an illusion of security,better sail the boat and keep a lookout ahead for flotsam.And keep your night vision.Spend the money on nice compass bino's,best wishes Jerry. Edited to add,I have used AIS plenty when crewing for others,nice if you're a ship spotter!

+1

And here is why :

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334248&highlight=AIS,+mid+Atlantic&page=2

Post #15

 

[matelot]

So, the question is, do I really need AIS?

Need? No - we have sailed for centuries without and most of us still do so. So I would not use the word "need".

But if you have the spare cash and have all the things you really do need, then why not? It cannot be a disadvantage unless you fall into the trap of thinking - "the screen is clear so there are no boats around."

I guess its really a question of priorities. This winter I am instalkling a windmill since I have more problems with battery state than avoiding big ships.

I would also query the way you propose to install it. I dont think a lappy down below that you have to switch on is much use really.

 

[sailorman]

Need? No - we have sailed for centuries without and most of us still do so. So I would not use the word "need".

But if you have the spare cash and have all the things you really do need, then why not? It cannot be a disadvantage unless you fall into the trap of thinking - "the screen is clear so there are no boats around."

I guess its really a question of priorities. This winter I am instalkling a windmill since I have more problems with battery state than avoiding big ships.

I would also query the way you propose to install it. I dont think a lappy down below that you have to switch on is much use really.

some run charting from a lappi others dont.
a small netbook, open cpn & a dongle & your there. world charts + plotter + ais

 

[capnsensible]

AIS is a Very Useful Thing. Sure you dont vitally need it, but like a telly, if you dont like whats on just turn it off....

I just bought and installed a Digital Yacht combined plotter and AIS. Doddle. 450 odd for the kit, 130 odd for the cartride. Dogs doohdahs.

Its on whenever I go out, I can ignore it if I want but.......