Local Automatic Identification System (AIS) for Ship Tracking and Monitoring

Completed Project

Executive Summary

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is used for ship-to-ship collision avoidance, ship information gathering, and vessel traffic management. This is accomplished by the automatic and continuous broadcast of vessel-related information such as identification, position, speed, heading, navigational status, and other related information.

The Problem

Ideally, all marine vessels in the Philippines should be equipped with AIS and monitored by regulating bodies such as MARINA, and BFAR to enhance maritime safety. Unfortunately, most domestic vessels could not afford this system. Commercially available AIS, which is composed of a transponder, display unit, antenna system, and mountings, would cost roughly US$5000 or PHP 250,000

The Solution

The development of local AIS reduces the cost of acquiring an AIS unit making it affordable for all perceived users. The research project focuses on the development on two types of AIS systems: (a) Class A AIS and (b) Low-cost AIS. The class A AIS has features that satisfies all international standards required of a Class A AIS. It is intended for national and international vessels with 300GT and above. The low-cost version is intended for use in smaller domestic passenger and fishing vessels. It has lesser features compared to the Class A version but still have the features for vessel collision avoidance, tracking and monitoring. Both AIS versions allow maritime authorities, such as MARINA and PPA, to monitor and track marine vessels and thereby, enforce maritime rules and regulations easily. Furthermore, the operational efficiency of these maritime authorities is enhanced through vessel traffic management.

Competitive Advantage

First Filipino-made AIS products Technical and customer support for end-users Lower cost as compared to other available alternatives in the market making it affordable for all perceived users Adheres to international standards ensuring compatibility with other AIS in the market regardless of manufacturer

Target Market

The primary market consists of 16,518 fishing vessels, 9,056-passenger vessels, and 3,926 cargo vessels. (MARINA Statistical Report 2012-2016).? AIS can also be deployed as a monitoring system to 429 fishing ports and 821 commercial ports in the country. Contact