25 September 2008

AIS Watchmate offers Anti-Collision Solution for Yachts

AIS (the buzz word for automatic identification system) has become the yachtsman’s technology ‘to have’ for 2008.  Part of the problem with the popularity of the system is that interpreting target data on an already crowded electronic plotter screen can be difficult.  Bristol-based Marine Electronic Services Ltd has come up with an ingenious device called WatchMate, which connects directly to an AIS receiver or transponder and displays an easy-to-interpret list of targets that are within range.  More importantly, it calculates the closest point of approach (CPA) and time to closest point of approach (TCPA), as well as prioritising the target list with a series of user-definable parameters and alarms – the closest target may not necessarily be the most dangerous!  In addition, it will also bring up other information from the AIS transmission, such as the vessel’s call sign, MMSI number, name, destination, size and other static data transmitted over the AIS system.

The system consumes just 1.2W of power and measures just 208×135x76mm.  It is waterproof and sunlight viewable, so can be mounted in the cockpit where it is most needed.

AIS offers lots of benefits in that it can often operate where radar cannot function, such as seeing around bends on a river or estuary, or even where bad weather may obscure a radar display.  The system can track up to 128 targets and picks up signals from both Class A and Class B (leisure) transponders.  The price is £299 including VAT.   All the system requires is connection to an onboard GPS and a suitable AIS receiver or transponder.

Email: sales@mesltd.co.uk
www.mesltd.co.uk

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