On this page
- Our role in managing AIS
- About AIS units
- Why AIS use is controlled
- Who can apply
- How to apply
- Assessing applications
- Issuing licences
Our role in managing AIS
We are the current holder of an Australia wide Maritime Coast Licence for the AIS frequencies 161.975 MHz (AIS1) and 162.025 MHz (AIS2) in the VHF maritime mobile band. In effect, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have licensed us to operate a limited coast assigned system subject to the conditions laid down in the relevant Maritime Coast Licence Determinations.
We may, at our sole discretion, permit third parties to operate non-shipborne AIS in Australia. As the licence holder, we are bound by the conditions imposed upon it by the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Third parties must also comply with the relevant sections of this Act.
These guidelines support the effective use of of non-shipborne AIS in Australia. They aim to:
- ensure a consistent approach to the use of AIS in Australia
- ensure all AIS units using the same AIS frequencies work coherently
- provide stable and reliable use of the spectrum.
About non-shipborne AIS units
Non-shipborne AIS units are land-based or mounted on fixed structures to support vessel traffic management and navigation while shipborne AIS units are installed on vessels.
There are 2 types of non-shipborne AIS units.
Base station
The AIS base station is the most basic AIS-related entity of any AIS shore infrastructure. The AIS Base Station allows for the full control of the AIS VHF data link.
Aid to navigation (AtoN)
An AtoN is a device or system external to vessels that is designed and operated to enhance the safe and efficient navigation of vessels and/or vessel traffic.
An AIS AtoN is a digital aid to navigation broadcast by an authorised service provider using AIS Message 21 'Aids to navigation report' which can be portrayed on devices or systems. For example, Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), radar or Integrated Navigation System (INS)).
Why AIS use is controlled
AIS can be fitted on fixed and floating structures to assist with positive identification of these structures by passing vessels. AIS may also be used to assist those operating vessel traffic services to monitor vessel traffic in their area of interest including potential and real entry into exclusion or restricted areas.
Given many AIS transmitters may be used in any one area, a level of control, integrity and protection of the AIS VDL (VHF data link) is required in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.347(91).
We monitor the use of the AIS VDL and issue all:
- Australian MMSI numbers
- AIS licences
- fixed access time division multiple access (FATDMA) time slots to owners of non-shipborne AIS transmitters.
This ensures there is no interference from co-located services and provides a level of control to ensure integrity and protection of the AIS VDL.
Who can apply
IMO Resolution MSC.140(76) notes that administrations should take steps necessary to ensure the integrity of the radio channels used for AIS in their waters.
IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) Annex 3 states that AIS should serve as a means for littoral states to obtain information about ships and be used as a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) tool.
Applications for non-shipborne AIS are expected to be limited to state or port authorities.
How to apply
To apply to operate non-shipborne AIS equipment in Australia, use AMSA form 234.
Assessing applications
We will evaluate each application, to ensure that the purpose of installation aligns with current, internationally accepted aims and objectives for AIS ashore, including IMO, ITU, IALA and IEC guidance.
These guidelines have been developed in consultation with Australian Ports and Port authorities through the Australian AIS working group. They are intended to ensure every installation works correctly and provides reliable service.
Navigational need requirement
Applications must demonstrate a nautical requirement for AIS in support of navigation.
- AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoN) will be marked with appropriate Message 21 coding as contained in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R M.1371.
- AIS base station transmissions will be identified with appropriate maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), as defined in Article 19 of the Radio Regulations, and Recommendation ITU-R M.585.
- AIS units should only transmit if a valid and authorised MMSI is programmed.
- An AIS base station will be used to reserve the FATDMA slots used by AIS AtoN in the footprint of the AIS base station.
- Non-shipborne AIS will be certified to the latest edition of the relevant IEC testing standard:
- IEC 62320-1 for AIS base stations
- IEC 62320-2 for AIS AtoN.
Equipment requirements
Different technical requirements apply to non-shipborne AIS base stations and AtoNs.
All AIS AtoN and AIS base stations must be identified in accordance with the most recent edition of Recommendation ITU-R M.585.
AIS base stations
- Must be type 1
- Require FATDMA slot allocation
AIS AtoN
- May be Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3 as described in IEC 62320-2
- Must transmit the defining dimensions of the offshore structure in accordance with Message 21 (as outlined in the most recent edition of Recommendation ITU-R M.1371)
- Type 1 AtoNs:
- Require FATDMA slot allocation
- Must be within VHF radio range of an existing AIS base station
- If not, a new base station must be established within the VHF radio range of the AIS AtoN to ensure the integrity of the FATDMA slot allocation, and monitoring of the AIS AtoN.
- Type 3 AtoNs:
- Operate independently
- Do not require FATDMA slot allocation.
Issuing licences
On receiving an application, we will liaise with the applicant and ACMA to licence the non-shipborne AIS unit.
We will provide the applicant with the:
- authorised MMSI
- authorised FATDMA slot allocations for all non-shipborne AIS, used on offshore structures and facilities.