The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) issued an advisory identifying common Automatic Identification System (AIS) deficiencies found on vessels transiting the Canal. Non-compliant vessels require that a supplemental tracking device be brought on board, with an associated fee.
ACP has been monitoring AIS messages and have encountered that many vessels were transmitting incomplete or incorrect data. The most common deficiencies found are as follows:
- Vessels static data is loaded incorrectly or not present at all. For example: Incomplete or incorrect MMSI, Vessel’s name, vessel’s dimensions and AIS GPS antenna position.
- Some vessels are not transmitting heading information or the information is icorrect
- The pilot plug is not located near Conning Position 1 or it is wired incorrectly. The correct wiring, as seen from the AIS equipment, as established by IMO’s ”Guideline for Installation of Shipborne Automatic Identification System” is a follows:
- TX A is connected to Pin 1
- TX B is connected to Pin 4
- RX A is connected to Pin 5
- RX B is connected to Pin 6
- Shield is connected to Pin 9
- There is no power receptacle near the AIS pilot tug or the power receptacle has a voltage not compatible with the pilot’s laptop. The voltage must be 120VAC 50/60Hz.
Source: Panama Canal Authority
