MCA Rolls Out Phase 3 UK AIS

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.