What to Know: Search and Rescue Transponders (AIS, RACON, SART)
Since small recreational vessels are not required to carry a Search and Rescue Transponders, what is the justification of having one onboard?
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FLIR Awarded U.S. Coast Guard AIS Contract
Who you gonna call when you’re in trouble on the sea? The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)! Secure communication and coordination between the USCG’s assets are needed to perform the service’s multifaceted missions
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Standard Horizon GX-6000E Quantum Integrated AIS Receiver
The GX-6000E is packed full of features, including full DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capability, a loud hailer, a GPS navigation page and a Class B (non SOLAS) AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiver.
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Are Your Boat’s LED Lights Causing Problems? Check Now!
LED lights are great. They have a low battery draw, cooler operation and sturdy construction, all of which makes them popular with recreational boaters. Unfortunately, there may be a downside. According to a Marine Safety Alert issued by the U.S. Coast Guard in August, LED lights may cause poor VHF radio and Automatic Identification System…
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Choosing the Right Emergency Positioning Beacon for Your Boat
Emergency positioning beacons are essential for boaters’ safety. Learn about EPIRBs, PLBs, and PABs to find the best fit for your vessel.
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EPIRB: A Lifesaving Device Every Boater Should Consider
Discover the vital role of EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) in ensuring boating safety. Learn about their benefits, types, and technological advancements that can make a difference in emergencies.
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Handheld Wonders
When handheld electronics are mentioned, first thoughts may be of simple devices that are appropriate for use on small boats and tenders but that do not have the capability of more sophisticated electronics onboard. That may have been the case in years past but today’s technology has improved and miniaturized so much that there is…
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See and Be Seen on the Water
Ever find yourself cruising through crowded harbors or across shipping lanes in the fog, when you see another vessel and uneasily wonder what it’s doing? Automatic Identification System, or AIS, can provide the answer. Is this collision-avoidance technology right for you? The answer is found in a new online course offered by the BoatUS Foundation…
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Gorgeous Marine Technology, New Problems
I’m a believer in new marine technology—an early-adapter of long standing. Thus, when I received my personal Ocean Signal AIS (Automatic Identification System) RescueMe MOB1 unit I was thrilled. Not only would it alert ships in the area if I fell overboard, it would also ring a DSC alarm aboard my own vessel. Wow, an…
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High Technology Electronics: Perfect for Modern Disasters!
Isn’t it wonderful that the navigator of the Volvo 70 Vestas Wind had the very latest in high-technology electronic charts—the most state-of-the-art navigation software imaginable—otherwise he’d never have been able to pile up that multi-million dollar racing machine on that tiny little reef that Magellan (and so many other vessels) managed to miss thousands…
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Cruising Must Haves
When we first set out cruising, life in our floating home wasn’t quite as comfy as we’d hoped it would be. Over the years we’ve added gadgets and gear that made life easier while keeping an eye on energy, fuel and water consumption. Here are ten of our favorite things, some of them big, others…
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AIS – Advancing Navigation Technology
AIS, or the Automatic Identification System, was originally developed to aid in the safe navigation and collision avoidance of large vessels entering and exiting busy waterways and ports. Today it has morphed into a plethora of affordable electronic products and gadgets that will help anybody on the water have better situational awareness and avoid collisions….
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The Lighter Side of AIS
The biggest advance in marine electronics in recent history is the Automatic Identification System – commonly referred to as AIS.
