There is an excellent and very informative article on AIS Class B receivers/transponders on the OCC Website by Neil Langford (Go: Publications/Equipment).
Whilst I can see all the advantages of AIS for both "seeing" other vessels (and being able to contact them directly by VHF/DSC) and being "seen" and identified by other vessels, surely there is a downside? For those of us who sail in areas in which piracy incidents are becoming more frequent, the last thing we want to do at night is to stick a label on the bandit's screen saying who we are, what course and speed we are making etc!
What's the answer? Use AIS selectively and turn it off when there is a perceived or possible threat? I would be interested in Member's views and how other Members with AIS deal with this problem.
John Franklin
al.shaheen@btopenworld.com
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