Hi Capt. Great segment on AIS. I was a Supply Boat Captain in the Gulf of Mexico. During my time out there Shrimping boats, charter fishermen and yachts generally did not have AIS. Some of those smaller boats could be really hard to see at night even on radar. Close encounters were frustrating because you had to try to get a boats attention by radio referencing their location and anything else you could see. Once AIS became mandatory for fishermen you could call a vessel by it's name to make passing arrangements. One evening I saw an AIS signal attributed to a small sailboat. I was impressed. The boat did not show up on radar and his running lights were nearly invisible. Pretty tense moments on a collision course while I tried to make sure not to run him down. I tried calling on the radio but he didn't answer. It ended well with me passing behind his stern. Lesson: Get AIS. Then make sure you are monitoring your VHF on the appropriate channel. And if it's dark and your small boat is being approached by a larger boat call them up. And get brighter LED running lights. Capt Jim
I think an AIS transceiver is a great investment, if you do the type of boating that it will aid you. If your a weekend sailor, that only goes out a couple weekends a summer, then not so much. Remember, you only see the other boats that have AIS transceivers and are broadcasting. So they are an aid, but keeping your eyes open and watching is a good idea also. If your doing blue water sailing, then I think they are a wise necessity. Just don't forget to set the alarm for boats that are close to you.
I'm really enjoying your travel log and find the information on boat maintenance and technical stuff to be very informative. Please be prepared to have your brain picked when I join you in July. I've got a lot to learn. Bob J
![GEEK TIMË [OFFICIAL AUDIO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ry-6RvkH880/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Capt. Great segment on AIS. I was a Supply Boat Captain in the Gulf of Mexico. During my time out there Shrimping boats, charter fishermen and yachts generally did not have AIS. Some of those smaller boats could be really hard to see at night even on radar. Close encounters were frustrating because you had to try to get a boats attention by radio referencing their location and anything else you could see. Once AIS became mandatory for fishermen you could call a vessel by it's name to make passing arrangements.
One evening I saw an AIS signal attributed to a small sailboat. I was impressed. The boat did not show up on radar and his running lights were nearly invisible. Pretty tense moments on a collision course while I tried to make sure not to run him down. I tried calling on the radio but he didn't answer. It ended well with me passing behind his stern.
Lesson: Get AIS. Then make sure you are monitoring your VHF on the appropriate channel. And if it's dark and your small boat is being approached by a larger boat call them up. And get brighter LED running lights.
Capt Jim
Jim B : Thanks very much for sharing your experiences with AIS, especially in those low visibility situations.
I love your humor! Reminds me of my dad a whole lot. I am enjoying your videos.
I think an AIS transceiver is a great investment, if you do the type of boating that it will aid you. If your a weekend sailor, that only goes out a couple weekends a summer, then not so much. Remember, you only see the other boats that have AIS transceivers and are broadcasting. So they are an aid, but keeping your eyes open and watching is a good idea also. If your doing blue water sailing, then I think they are a wise necessity. Just don't forget to set the alarm for boats that are close to you.
Agreed.
I'm really enjoying your travel log and find the information on boat maintenance and technical stuff to be very informative. Please be prepared to have your brain picked when I join you in July. I've got a lot to learn. Bob J
I have a lot to learn as well. I think that is one of the things that make this trip so interesting.
Love the 1000 year old duck tape! Haha
Keep up the good work! Thanks for the great information!
you can also send messages by text over ais.