“AIS 2.0”: Technological changes, implications and policy recommendations

ABSTRACT Space-based detection of Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions is increasingly being used as a means of collating vessel information for building Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). With the introduction of “Long-Range AIS” through a specific AIS message (Message 27), designed for reception from space, some of the existing problems with space-based vessel detection would be obviated. Nonetheless, the system cannot replace terrestrial detection. In some cases, interaction between the two segments – space and ground based – of the system may even render one segment totally ineffective. From the user-perspective, an examination of the underlying technical issues will help understand the capabilities and limitations of the system as an aid to global vessel tracking. Designing future sub-systems to optimally exploit the changes is important.