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AIS transponder on a RIB?

  • 16-05-2018 10:34am
    #1
    Ubbquittious
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,292 ✭✭✭


    Would you ever see them installed on a small enough RIB? Is it a big palaver to get a MMSI and all of that? Loads of radios now have AIS built in but they're receive only.


Comments

  • #2
    Steve
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,584 ✭✭✭✭Steve


    It's only mandatory above 18M length afaik, it's voluntary below that.

    That said, it's a good idea to have it.

    There's a phone app that does it if (as in transmits) you are really stuck - but at minimum you'll need an AIS enabled VHF linked to a GPS.


  • #3
    Panjandrums
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭Panjandrums


    This post has been deleted.


  • #4
    Steve
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,584 ✭✭✭✭Steve


    True, I was assuming the OP held a VHF license.


  • #5
    Tom44
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 950 ✭✭✭Tom44


    Panjandrums wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.
    Do I need to do a course / upgrade to get mmsi?

    At the moment I have a basic small hand held VHF for which I do have a license and call sign for, well the boat does.
    New license and call sign issued this year for new boat. 4m boat

    My VHF course was about 20 years ago, so just wondering if I upgrade radio next year, what is the procedure ?

    Cheers


  • #6
    Daibheid
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 546 ✭✭✭Daibheid


    Tom44 wrote: »
    Do I need to do a course / upgrade to get mmsi?

    At the moment I have a basic small hand held VHF for which I do have a license and call sign for, well the boat does.
    New license and call sign issued this year for new boat. 4m boat

    My VHF course was about 20 years ago, so just wondering if I upgrade radio next year, what is the procedure ?

    Cheers

    A new radio will probably have DSC Digital Subscriber Calling. You need an upgraded VHF license to get an MMSI number to use all it's facilities, best of which is you hit an emergency button and it broadcasts a distress call with your position automatically until it's answered leaving you free to deal with an emergency. Also allows private One-One calls. Not hard to learn/use but in Ireland it seems to be impossible to find anywhere to pay for and do a VHF cert test without having to pay for a course as well.

    Most DSC radios need an input from a GPS receiver for position (I have a Cobra with it's own internal GPS receiver) and will annoy you forever until you connect a GPS. But it's not hard to do, two wires, only complicated by radio and GPS manufacturers not sharing colour codings! You can use a GPS capable radio on your old VHF license without employing the DSC capabilities.

    AIS transponders are not unknown on smaller RIBs, compact and relatively cheap now they're often mandatory on things like the Round Ireland RIB event. A DSC radio fulfils a lot of people's needs and various phone apps can let friends know where you are. If you're in dense shipping areas an AIS receiver might stop you being run over while drifting as they do make you visible to shipping.


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