Does AIS help fishermen avoid storms?

Recently, some newspapers reported that Chinese ships escaped thanks to the automatic identification system AIS (Automatic Identification System). But this is not a device for fishing boats .

When Typhoon Chanchu suddenly changed direction, it caused damage to Vietnamese fishing boats that could not help and call for help. The Chinese vessels that escaped were sent by the local Maritime Safety Agency to inform them of the wind and direction of the storm through the AIS system.

Activity diagram of AIS ( Automatic Identification System ) automatic identification system

This information was transmitted to Chinese and foreign ships in the area at risk of storms, giving instructions to shelters. So which ships are Chinese ships escaping Chanchu storm? And, why did Vietnamese fishing boats not use that equipment?

A specialist from the specialized Electronic Equipment Company in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, said that AIS is not a new device. AIS has about 3-4 years ago, but in Vietnam, AIS is only used for ocean vessels and big cargo ships.

As for Mr. Nguyen Duc Toan, Director of Maritime Equipment Joint Stock Company, 46, Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, fishermen are very poor. Usually, they only use popular and affordable devices like Galaxy radios, Wenden 4,800.

The types of radios on the information can be from 170km - 180km, cost nearly 3 million VND / set. In addition, when fishing boats are offshore, households often use ICOM 718 or STEM S.600 type 100W equipment with a contact length of 1,000 - 1,500 km. The price of these two types is nearly 9 million VND / set.

What is AIS?

The automatic identification system AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a communication system that allows ships to exchange information about location identification, direction, speed or exchange with shore stations.This system has been built into an international standard for the Maritime industry and requires the use of certain types of ships such as ocean vessels, large cargo ships (300 tons or more), types Passenger ships . When using this system, the vessels in contact with each other will exchange information on ship identification, direction and speed . to avoid collisions between ships.In addition, ships can exchange other necessary information such as emergency help, weather information, etc. AIS system includes radio transceiver unit (a VHF transmitter, two VHF transceivers). and control and display parts.In addition, each station on the ship can communicate with other devices such as on-board sensor systems, output interfaces such as ECDIS, ARPA, VDR or Inmarsat satellite information terminals.In addition, when combining AIS with another communication device, it also applies in emergency, rescue and rescue at sea .

When asked about the automatic ship identification system of AIS, Toan said China only uses this device for cargo ships, not for fishing vessels. In Vietnam, freight ships also use this type of equipment.

AIS is not a storm avoidance system. This is just an alarm system to avoid when a ship is nearing another ship, or there is an obstacle in the area that controls the radius of the ship. Then, this device will work by broadcasting a notification signal to avoid collision.

The price of this device is relatively expensive. There is a type of AIS produced by Korea, which costs about VND 50 million. The Japanese type cost about VND 60 million. Since these devices are expensive, it is difficult for fishermen to equip their fishing boats.

Currently, there is a type of maritime communication device called Lavpex that can be useful for fishermen. The price of this device is about VND 14-15 million. This device can receive global information of dangerous weather conditions where ships arrive. When the train enters any area, it automatically receives information of the regional station. But it is inconvenient that this device uses English language but most Vietnamese fishermen are not fluent in English.

In addition, there is a type of orange smoke shells that signal when the ship is in distress also only for marine vessels, not for fishing vessels.

Meanwhile, according to Mr. Pham Ngoc Quang, standing member of the Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Rescue (Ministry of Fisheries), recently, fishing boats of Vietnamese fishermen have used inter-information system. lost ICOM.

Most offshore fishing boats and fishes must install this ICOM communication device.

Compared to other devices, ICOM is a relatively modern device with radio transmitter and receiver range further. At the same time, ICOM devices are more sensitive and efficient.

Mr. Quang said fishermen should have more modern equipment such as GPS navigation devices. However, these devices are very expensive and it is difficult for fishermen to buy.

According to Mr. Quang, according to current regulations, offshore fishing vessels must equip equipment such as life buoys such as buoys, buoys, buoys and puncture-resistant, fire-resistant about the journey like boat lights according to maritime industry standards.

Vietnamese Navy ships continue with rescue and rescue vehicles of China and Taiwan seeking missing fishermen.Photo: HC / VNN .

Completed vessels must have sufficient equipment to meet the technical safety requirements and safety of human life according to each type of ship to register for registration, grant technical safety certificates to the sea and Ship number plates.

So have the Vietnamese fishing vessels off the coast of Chanchu recently had all that equipment? This is also a question for managers .

In addition, another question needs to be raised, under which conditions Chinese vessels escape in the meantime . Meanwhile, as we know, AIS is not a suitable equipment system for fishing vessels. fish. So, what kind of vessel is China's escape ship? and where does the Chinese fisherman's fishing boat escape?

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