Maritime Accidents: Call For Automatic ID Systems

Busy Period For Maritime Accidents Sparks Call For Use Of Automatic Identification Systems On Recreational Boats

For immediate release:-

The number of media reports about maritime accidents suggest these holidays have been one of the busiest periods on record.

Many of these accidents could have been aided by the installation of simple Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment, according to Mark Janor, from Australasia’s leading maritime communications provider, Kordia®.

One such incident involved a boat missing in rough seas off the Bay of Plenty coast on 30 December. Four people—including an 11-year-old—were eventually winched to safety after an extensive Search and Rescue operation that included the Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter.

“On this occasion, the use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment would have provided a real time location and historical track of the vessel, ensuring these people were found quickly,” says Janor.

“The visibility provided by AIS equipment would be of use in almost all maritime incidents, limited only by the practicality of carrying such a device on smaller craft.”

A preventative safety measure that can help with identification of an overdue vessel, Kordia®’s National AIS Network provides quick clarification of a distressed vessel’s position, identification of other vessels in the area that may be able to assist, and visibility of search efforts by a co-ordinating authority.

“To be seen, a boatie simply needs to install an AIS transponder onto their vessel,” states Janor. “Priced from $1,000 plus installation, these are fairly inexpensive pieces of potentially life-saving equipment that would ensure emergency services could respond quickly and efficiently to an urgent maritime situation.

“Add to that the ability to have this AIS transponder’s location monitored by friends and family at home on any Internet connection for a small monthly license fee, using the EarthVTS system provided by Kordia®, and you quickly realise there is a cost-efficient and reliable way to ensure safety of life at sea,” says Janor.

“New Zealanders love their coastal environment, but these unpredictable waters have seen far too many people caught out this summer. By carrying proper communications equipment, i.e. VHF radio, EPIRB, distress flares or even a cell phone in a waterproof bag, and taking simple safety measures like obtaining weather forecasts, wearing life jackets and the installation of Automatic Identification System equipment, boaties can enjoy New Zealand’s waters, while knowing that they are more likely to be pinpointed in an emergency. It might just save a life,” says Janor.

For more information visit www.kordiamaritime.com

ENDS

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