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Navigation & Security Vts/ais

The Two-Edged Sword

01 Sep 2005

Advocates of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) believe its integration with Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS) can make ports safer and offer a commercial advantage. Others disagree as David Foxwell explains.

Integrating AIS with VTS can provide ports with commercial advantages and make them more secure
Integrating AIS with VTS can provide ports with commercial advantages and make them more secure

AIS may still be in its infancy, but its use is becoming more and more widespread following the adoption of international regulations requiring its use, and the adoption of national legislation, such as the Marine Transportation Safety Act of 2002 in the US which requires AIS transponders to be fitted to all foreign flag and most US flag vessels transiting areas regulated by vessel traffic services.

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Integrating AIS with VTS can provide ports with commercial advantages and make them more secure
Port of Houston is one of a growing number of ports that has combined AIS with VTS

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