Marine Systems
Aviation Recorders
Page 1–11
Initial Issue
165M0601-00
Feb. 01/05
1.3.7.
DSC Functionality
The Assigned and Polled operational modes are activated through a DSC message
transmitted by the competent authority. In order to provide for this, the ProTec AIS
contains a dedicated DSC receiver that is tuned to channel 70. DSC messages
originating from shore stations of competent authorities will define regional AIS fre-
quencies, regions of coverage, required transmission schedule and/or interrogation
request. The ProTec AIS will respond back to such DSC interrogations on the fre-
quency specified in a manner such that it does not interfere with the TDMA transmis-
sions by interleaving the transmission between TDMA transmissions. The DSC re-
sponse will be made after a random delay of 0 - 20 secs provided the signaling
channel is clear and the TDMA transmissions are not interrupted.
1.3.8.
AIS Broadcast Parameters
A Class A AIS unit broadcasts the following information every 2 to 10 seconds while
underway, and every 3 minutes while at anchor at a power level of 12.5 watts. The
information broadcast includes:
F
MMSI number - unique referenceable identification.
F
Navigation status
F
Speed over ground - 1/10 knot resolution.
F
Position accuracy - differential GPS.
F
Longitude - to 1/10000 minute and Latitude - to 1/10000 minute.
F
Course over ground - relative to true north to 1/10th degree.
F
True Heading - 0 to 359 degrees derived from heading sensor.
F
Time stamp - The universal time to nearest second that this information
was generated.
In addition, the Class A AIS unit broadcasts the following information every 6
minutes:
F
MMSI number - same unique identification used above, links the data
above to described vessel.
F
IMO number - unique referenceable identification (related to ship’s
construction).
F
Radio call sign - international call sign assigned to vessel, often used on
voice radio.
F
Name - Name of ship, 20 characters are provided.
F
Type of ship/cargo - there is a table of possibilities that are available.