AIS Class A Annual Audit: What Is Included and How Is It

Q: How often do I check for Class A AIS?

IMO MSC.1/Circ.1252 annually, usually before the survey; in between, operational checks.

Q: What is included in the AIS annual audit?

Channels 1, 2 and DSC channel 70, transmitter power, antenna, NMEA/RS422 interface - without removing equipment from the board.

Q: Is it possible to test AIS on your own?

Yes, if there is a trusted tester (for example, AITS-RV) and the correct execution of the protocol; otherwise, a service organization.

AIS Class A is mandatory equipment: it depends on it whether other ships and shore services see the vessel. Therefore, its serviceability is not taken at the word – once a year it is confirmed by checking the IMO Circular Letter MSC.1/Circ.1252. We know what’s inside and how to prepare for it.

AIS Tester AITS-RV Portable Tester — AIS Tester AITS-RV: A portable device from a separate AITS-RV card. This photo does not confirm the configuration of SINE QUA NON AITS-R.

What's checking?

Checking goes on throughout the chain: transmission through channels AIS 1 and AIS 2Digital Electoral Calls via Channel 70transmitter power, antenna state and interface operation NMEA/RS422AIS receives the coordinates and sends the data to the bridge. The station is checked "as it stands" - the equipment is not removed from the board.

What's the test?

Field tester sort of. AIS Tester AITS-RV: the device receives the transmission of the marine station and shows what it emits. The tester itself is a measurement tool, it must have a valid verification period.

When they are

According to the schedule – annually, and almost always it is timed to inspect the vessel: the inspector asks for the latest AIS inspection protocol among the first. Between annual checks, there is an operational test – a short test with the same device when there is doubt after repairing the antenna, replacing the cable or a thunderstorm.

What to prepare for a ship

Access to the station and antenna track, proper power supply and pre-known configuration: AIS model, cable length to the antenna where the NMEA lines are installed. If the marine kit is old, checking is a convenient time to count the replacement - for example, on the kit. NSR NSI-1000 with antennas in it.

FAQ

How often do I check for Class A AIS? Annually on MSC.1/Circ.1252, usually before the survey; between annual checks, as needed.

What is included in the AIS annual audit? Transmission via channels 1 and 2, DSC channel 70, transmitter power, antenna and NMEA/RS422 interface - without removing equipment from the board.

Is it possible to test AIS on your own? Yes, if the communications service has a trusted tester (e.g. AITS-RV) and the protocol is correctly executed. Otherwise, a call to the service organization.

What does the AIS inspector ask? Annual inspection protocol and proper operation of the station: transmission, coordinates, static data of the vessel.