Functional Requirements Study

Abstract : Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an autonomous broadcast that exchanges maritime safety/security information between participating vessels and shore stations. In addition to providing a means for maritime administrations to track the movement of vessels in coastal waters, AIS can be used to transmit information to ships while inport or underway to ensure safety-of-navigation and protection of the marine environment. In the USA, it is intended that this capability will enhance the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) provided by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). A study was conducted by Alion Science and Technology for the USCG Research and Development Center to develop requirements for marine information that could be broadcast by USCG VTS Centers. The study focused on gathering stakeholder requirements and determining the capabilities of: information providers, disseminators, and shipboard equipment manufacturers, and users (mariners). The goal was to identify and prioritize the types of information that should be broadcast using AIS binary messages. In the analysis, information items were scored based upon perceived mariner need, suitability for AIS transmit, and suitability for use by manufacturers to present to the mariner. Based on the results of this study, there is interest on the part of providers, disseminators, and users in having AIS binary messages be used as a part of expanded VTS services. Also clear, that there is a need to have more information flow from the VTS to the mariners as digital data capable of being displayed rather than by increased voice communications.