How has AIS become essential for maritime safety?

The idea of an automated system for the exchange of maritime information emerged in the 1990s, following several discussions among maritime industry experts. These discussions revealed the need for a universal means of sharing essential data, such as the identity, position, speed, and course of vessels, to enhance safety at sea and improve maritime traffic management.

In 1997, the first technical proposals for a Universal Automatic Identification System (U-AIS) were formulated. Interest in this type of technology intensified after the September 11, 2001 attacks, which raised global concerns regarding maritime security and the prevention of terrorist threats. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted measures to enhance the monitoring and traceability of ships.

At the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 2002, the IMO made it mandatory for all new ships to install AIS devices, as well as for those built before this date, with compliance required by 2008. Since then, AIS has become a standard in the maritime industry, playing a fundamental role in maritime safety, traffic management, and collision prevention. It enables maritime authorities to track the movements of vessels in real-time, thus facilitating rescue operations and combating illegal activities at sea.

Today, AIS is an essential tool not only for maritime safety and traffic management but also for enhancing port logistics and ensuring transparency in maritime activities on a global scale.