AIS provides a fast, accurate, and practical way of exchanging information. Ships are visible over a distance of several kilometers (depending on location and weather). This information includes the current position, destination, crew, and dimensions of the ship. This allows for timely preparation when encountering other ships, ensuring they can be safely passed.

How does AIS work?

AIS devices automatically transmit radio waves at regular intervals. This occurs through a transmitter built into the device. These radio waves contain information such as location, speed, and ship details related to the journey. AIS devices automatically receive all information broadcast by other AIS devices on other ships and onshore within the transmission range.

The use of AIS

On inland waterways, Rijkswaterstaat has been using AIS for some time. The Maritime Information Service Point (MIVSP) collects this data in and around offshore wind farms to improve maritime safety and, for example, to prevent ships from coming too close to the wind farms. This way, Rijkswaterstaat is developing into the service provider with shipping data from both inland waterways and the North Sea.

Application manager Brian Langenberg says: "MIVSP connected to the existing AIS-services of Rijkswaterstaat. They took the initiative to collaborate with the AIS team of the inland waterways. As a result, we can now expand our services to the North Sea."

AIS for statutory tasks

Because ships transmit their AIS data wirelessly, interested parties can set up their own receiver to capture the messages. AIS data contains personal information, which is why Rijkswaterstaat and the Coast Guard are only allowed to use the data for the execution of their statutory tasks.

These tasks differ for both organizations. Rijkswaterstaat currently uses AIS primarily to make inland navigation smoother and safer. For example, by using the available data to determine in advance the best order for ships to enter a lock and where they should be positioned to accommodate as many ships as possible in one go. The Coast Guard uses AIS data on the North Sea to quickly locate ships in distress, monitor borders, and ensure that ships do not come too close to wind farms and oil platforms.