The Backbone - Automatic Identification System (AIS)

AIS is the mariner's most significant development in navigation safety since the introduction of radar.  The system was originally developed as a collision avoidance tool to enable commercial vessels to 'see' each other more clearly in all conditions and improve the helmsman's information about his surrounding environment.  AIS does this by continuously transmitting a vessels identity, position, speed and course, along with other relevant information to all other AIS equipped vessels within range.  Combined with a shore station, this system also offers port authorities and maritime safety bodies the ability to manage maritime traffic and reduce the hazards of marine navigation.

Due to the great safety benefits offered by AIS, this technology was made compulsory throughout the world in 2002 for all passenger ferries and vessels over 300 gross tonnes. An AIS transponder determines its own position, speed and course using a built in GPS receiver.  This information is combined with other important navigation information and automatically communicated between AIS equipped vessels without any user interaction.

AIS transponders on other vessels and coast stations receive this information and use it to build up a live graphical display of traffic in the area.  The transponder can be connected to many types of chart plotter or PC charting software using a standard interface protocol.  AIS does not require a radar, but can offer similar capabilities and even enhance a radar image if a radar has already been fitted to the vessel.

The range of coverage of the system is similar to a VHF radio. 
The system also has the advantage that VHF radio signals will travel around bends
and over islands giving better coverage than radar or enhancing a radar picture when used together.



A typical AIS network

Benefits of AIS

  • AIS provides a range of benefits including collision avoidance for personal safety of mariners, vessel identification for port authorities and homeland security, and vessel to vessel identification for leisure and commercial applications.
  • AIS data can be overlaid onto radar to provide a combined view, and can also provide safety critical data with the ability to 'see around corners' where radar may have limited functionality.

Some offered solutions addressing the different maritime missions are identified on other web pages within the Maritime Safety & Security section. Each offer has been adapted to the specific operational requirements of the associated missions and users.

Innovation

Innovation Technology

Rolta realizes that as the security environment evolves, new challenges will develop, and along with them the needs for attaining new capabilities. Geospatial information is indispensable for Defense & Security forces for intelligent, and updated situational awareness, during peace or war. Rolta's Military-off-the-Shelf (MOTS) solutions employ innovative technology linking operational needs with Geospatial data. Building on this foundation Rolta offers Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) solutions for the complete 'sensor to shooter' chain.

Insights

Insights Technology

In addition to conventional warfare, security forces across the world are now required to actively address counter insurgency operations. Every day, enemy forces and antinational militants are creating new and asymmetrical threats. Rolta has worked closely with the Armed and Security Forces for more than two decades and has gained tremendous knowhow and valuable insights of their specialized requirements, and knows what it takes to provide security agencies with the necessary support and technology.

Impact

Impact Technology

The tremendous insights gained from close proximity support in conflict zones under extremely demanding conditions have led Rolta to evolve its offerings into a range of C4ISTAR solutions to address the entire spectrum of challenges faced by the Forces and Security Agencies. Rolta has deployed mission-critical solutions that have empowered the Armed Forces and Security Agencies to succeed in their objectives of making the world a safer place.