hausen wrote:Bridge crews usually have several pieces of equipment that deal with AIS information. First there are basic AIS display units with small, simple text interfaces that list nearby targets and their info. and can usually do things like sift through the list and indicate which targets have low CPAs, etc. Electronic chart displays are almost always interfaced with AIS to show AIS targets onscreen, display their information, and estimate CPA/TCPA (closest point of approach / time to closest point of approach). Most modern radar units can also interface with AIS so that AIS targets are overlaid onto the radar display.
Basically, AIS on board vessel are for what ever is around them, ther don't need to see whats in China if they are in the Welland Canal, also AIS interfaces with electronic charts, vessel still need radar to see crafts that are not AIS equiped. Homebased AIS is different data is sent from different people all over the World it is displayed on your computer for a price, some of which are very very expensive and others moderately priced. There are some companies will give you a professional AIS if you send them data from your area, mind you, you have to live close to where ships can ply close to you. and have the equipment such as a AIS reciever RS-232.and antenna on the roof or at the end of a pole or tower. the reciever costs about $400.00 anteena about 40.00, if you can install your annten on your roof all the better