AIS Basestation Replacement Project

Automatic Identification System (AIS) are needed to ensure the ongoing reliability and availability of AIS information used in coordination centers to deliver vessel traffic management and search and rescue services as mandated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and UK Government and in doing so, enables the UK Government to monitor shipping around the UK coastline to ensure the safety of shipping, mariners, life at sea, reduction of pollution at sea and maritime security. A number of the current AIS basestations that are in active use are old and need to be replaced before they present a risk to His Majestys Coastguard (HMCG) ability to deliver operational services. These basestations are a critical part of the infrastructure that is needed in order for HMCG to determine the location of vessels from its coordination centers. Knowing the location of vessels is key to being able to deliver vessel traffic management services, for example the Vessel Traffic Service in the English Channel and the Vessel Traffic Monitoring service therefore the location of vessels is also key to the HMCG operators general situational awareness and for delivery of search and rescue services.