Marine Receiver Module tracks movement of nearby ships.
Press Release Summary:
Used for identifying and obtaining information about other vessels in ship's proximity, AIS250 Automatic Identification System allows boaters to exchange their vessels' name, course, speed, and current navigation status with nearby ships and shore-side traffic monitoring centers. Listen-only unit operates on VHF maritime band, using digital radio signals to broadcast real-time information that cannot always be exchanged through voice radio communication.
Original Press Release:
Raymarine Introduces Automatic Identification System (AIS) Receiver
MERRIMACK, N.H., Feb. 20 / -- Raymarine, Inc., a world leader in marine electronics, announced at the Miami International Boat Show its AIS250 Automatic Identification System Receiver Module, increasing boaters' ability to avoid collisions by enhancing their situational awareness while out on the water.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a shipboard broadcast system that is primarily used for identifying and obtaining information about other vessels in a ship's proximity. AIS allows boaters to exchange their vessels' name, course, speed and current navigation status with nearby ships and shore- side traffic monitoring centers, helping to resolve the issue of identifying and locating vessels that can not be seen due to darkness, fog, distance or radar blind arcs and shadows.
Operating on the VHF maritime band, AIS uses digital radio signals to broadcast real-time information that cannot always be exchanged through voice radio communication. In addition, AIS augments radar applications with its ability to detect smaller AIS-fitted vessels and eliminate blind spots caused by coastal topography.
Raymarine's AIS250 Receiver module is a "listen only" AIS receiver that easily integrates with an existing VHF antenna using a built in VHF splitter. The AIS250 then interfaces to Raymarine's award-winning multifunction displays, allowing nearby targets to be graphically overlaid in both the chartplotter and radar modes. This integration enables boaters to identify and track vessels within VHF antenna range over a chart or radar screen, greatly increasing their situational awareness. The AIS250 also receives broadcasts from shore stations, including AIS alarm and safety-related messages from sources such as the U.S. Coast Guard.
"When on the water it is extremely important to know the movement and identity of other ships in order to make the right decisions about navigating," said Terry Carlson, president of Raymarine. "By incorporating AIS display technology into our multifunction displays, Raymarine is furthering its commitment to not only enabling our customers with the latest technology, but also heightening awareness for overall safety on the seas."
Raymarine's AIS250 features the ability to monitor both class A and B AIS broadcasts, and two NMEA 0183 input output ports with a built-in multiplexer. The AIS250 is expected to be available in May 2007.
About Raymarine, Inc.
Raymarine, a world leader in marine electronics, develops and manufactures the most comprehensive range of electronic equipment for the recreational boating and light commercial marine markets. Designed for high performance and ease of use, the award-winning products are available through a global network of dealers and distributors. The Raymarine product lines include radar, navigation aids, instruments, fishfinders, communications, software and systems. For more information about Raymarine call 1-603-881-5200 or visit www.raymarine.com.
