AIS Binary Messages:Developments in the Baltic and Progress in IMO

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a powerful tool for ship identification and tracking. However, AIS could be exploited more efficiently to improve the preparedness of the authorities in case of an accident and the situational awareness onboard ships as well as reduce the workload on ship bridges by minimising the need for VHF communication and facilitating the fulfilment of reporting obligations. In the Baltic AIS trial project (AISBALTIC), five new AIS Application-Specific Messages, also known as binary messages, were developed based on the operational needs of the authorities in the Baltic Sea countries. The worldwide development work was coordinated by a Correspondence Group established in 2008 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As a result, the IMO Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation prepared in 2009 a new draft SN Circular to guide the use of 15 new and two previously published AIS Application-Specific Messages