MCA Rolls Out Phase 3 UK AIS

15/11/2007

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has implemented Phase 3 of the UK AIS network, following the successful Factory/Site Acceptance (FAT/SAT) testing of Kongsberg Norcontrol IT software upgrades to its C-Scope User Interface. An earlier release of the C-Scope User Interface was already in use with the MCA as the operator interface for the entire network.

The UK AIS network, which was developed by Kongsberg Norcontrol IT and the MCA, went live in April 2006. All 18 MCA run Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCC) are networked around the UK coast to provide one integrated maritime domain awareness system for the tracking and monitoring of typically 1200-1500 vessels at any one time. This figure can rise to 4000-5000 vessels through the North Sea Regional AIS Agreement.

The UK AIS Network provides real-time AIS information to all MRCCs, MCA's Headquarters, and a number of other UK stakeholders. The C-Scope User Interface has been in service with UK MRCCs for over a year.

Phase three includes new functionality within the C-Scope User Interface, including: BMT SARIS support - search and rescue graphical display: VHF Direction Finding - triangulating position of a vessel through radio transmission: Transmission and receipt of AIS Messages - including safety text and control messages: Track reclassification - mark specific vessels for easy identification and tracking: high visibility warning object - no erroneous settings used for extended periods.