Class A AIS

Class A AIS systems are designed to provide real-time information about a vessel's location, speed, heading, and other critical data to nearby ships, coastal authorities, and other maritime stakeholders. These systems operate on two frequency bands -- VHF maritime band and the SOTDMA (Self-Organizing Time Division Multiple Access) band -- enabling seamless integration with existing navigation and communication systems.
In addition to real-time tracking and identification of vessels, Class A AIS systems also provide critical safety features, such as collision alerts, distress messaging, and dynamic routing information. These features are essential for preventing collisions, minimizing the risk of accidents, and ensuring the safe and efficient flow of maritime traffic.
Further, Class A AIS can be integrated with various other technologies, including radar, ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), and Inmarsat satellite communications, to provide a comprehensive, real-time view of vessel movements and conditions. This integration enables operators to make more informed decisions, manage vessel traffic more efficiently, and respond more quickly to any emergency.

Product Features

• Class A ship automatic identification system has two operation modes: touch and push button.
• With ECDIS, remote, BAM, multifunctional sensors and other interfaces, it is well compatible with electronic charts, radar and other marine electronic equipment.
• Simple and humanized operation interface combined with high-precision color LED.
• Support high-precision positioning, support BDS, GPS and GLONASS three-mode high-precision positioning, and can be connected to differential data to realize differential positioning.
• A variety of intelligent alarms, real-time collision avoidance information
• Designed and manufactured according to the latest international norms and standards Complies with IMO MSC.302(87), ITU-R.M.1371-5, IEC 62288, IE61993-2 2018 and IEC 60945 standards.
• AIS launch is divided into three launch modes: autonomous, assigned, and polled.
• Capable of receiving AIS targets and transmitting static and dynamic parameters and related navigational data of the ship.
• The AIS radar panel can switch different viewing angles to display AIS targets within 50NM from the center of the ship.
• Time slot synchronization, using the built-in GNSS receiver or external positioning sensors as the main source of UTC, can also be used to synchronize the time slot with the messages received from the base station or mobile station.
• Access to a wide range of sensors such as GNSS positioning sources, odometers, compasses, steering rate indicators, etc.
• There are BIIT self-test and 19 alarms for equipment failure, position loss, bow direction loss, etc.
• Area setting, support receiving message 22 sent by base station or DCS remote message setting, also can set system receiving and transmitting through shipboard system or manually input in MKD.

FAQ: Class A AIS

For commercial vessel operators and maritime professionals, we've compiled the most common Class A AIS questions with clear, concise answers to cover compliance, functionality and troubleshooting.

(1) What is Class A AIS and how does it work?

Class A AIS is an IMO-mandated maritime tracking system for commercial vessels. It broadcasts real-time vessel data (position, speed, identity) to nearby vessels and shore VTS centers via the SOTDMA protocol, ensuring no data delays even in busy lanes, enhancing safety and situational awareness.

(2)Which vessels need Class A AIS?

SOLAS mandates it for: commercial ships ≥300 GT (international voyages), ≥500 GT (non-international), and all passenger ships. The U.S. Coast Guard also requires it for specific commercial vessels (e.g., ≥65ft self-propelled).

(3)How is Class A AIS different from Class B?

Class A is for commercial/SOLAS vessels: 12.5W power (20–30nm range), 2–12s data updates, mandatory SOTDMA and safety messaging. Class B (for small non-SOLAS vessels) has 2W power (5–10nm range), slower updates, and no mandatory messaging.

(4)What data does Class A AIS broadcast?

It transmits three data types: static (MMSI, ship name, dimensions), dynamic (real-time position, speed, course), and voyage-related (draught, cargo, destination, ETA).

(5)Must Class A AIS stay on at all times?

Yes, 24/7 when at sea or in port (even anchored), per SOLAS. Exceptions are rare (e.g., sensitive military ops). Non-compliance risks fines or port detentions.

(6)How to ensure Class A AIS compliance?

Choose an IEC 61993-2/SOLAS-certified unit, program correct static data, update voyage info, perform routine checks, and keep annual test/maintenance records.

(7)What if Class A AIS malfunctions?

Troubleshoot: check power/cables/fuses (power issues), ensure unobstructed GPS antenna (signal issues), verify MMSI and VHF antenna (transmission issues). Contact technical support if unresolved.

(8)Can it integrate with existing bridge systems?

Yes, it integrates seamlessly with ECDIS, radar, VDR and pilot plugs via NMEA protocols, creating a unified navigation picture for bridge teams.

(9)How often does it need maintenance?

Daily: check power and data accuracy; Monthly: inspect antennas/cables; Annual: certified technician performance test and firmware update (if available).

(10)Is it required for coastal and open oceans?

Yes, for all SOLAS vessels. It's critical in open oceans (limited radar/visibility) with 20–30nm range, aiding collision avoidance and VTS monitoring.

(11)EU Class A AIS requirements?

Compliance with EU MED 2014/90/EU (plus SOLAS/IEC 61993-2), connection to VDR for data logging, and AIS visibility to EU VTS. Non-compliance risks port denial or fines.

(12)Asian waters (Singapore/China/Japan) requirements?

Singapore MPA requires operational AIS for port entry; China MSA mandates it for ≥300 GT vessels with regular inspections; Japan MLIT enforces SOLAS plus extra inland/port requirements.

Still have questions? Contact our maritime technical team for personalized support.

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