How Cruise and Cargo Ship Companies Use AIS Systems

Even with the rise of airplanes as the primary method for long distance travel and cargo shipping, actual sea-faring ships continue to be a viable means for long distance travel and deliveries. No different than airplanes, companies absolutely have to be able to keep an eye on their cruise and cargo ships at all times. Besides varying weather conditions and the state of the waters themselves, there are always many other ships traveling the waterways, all of which can pose dangers to the people and cargo being shipped. Cruise and cargo shipping companies have therefore begun utilizing AIS (automatic identification systems) along with traditional radar systems as a means to know their ships' status and locations.

Radar systems have been in use since the early 20th Century, they are no longer the most accurate tools to use for locating traveling vessels. Whereas radar units basically keep track of ships at the level of the water, AIS systems make use of innovative satellite technology in order to locate cruise ships and cargo ships. AIS systems also incorporate many of the computer innovations developed over the years to provide a variety of useful tools and options for locating ships traveling by rivers and seas. Because radar systems are still very useful and valuable, shipping companies will be able to have a more complete system of observation by combining radar and AIS systems together.

Delivering both people and cargo by way of oceans or rivers over long distances always carries with it a great deal of risk. Of course it would be a bad thing for a company to lose money by losing cargo at sea, but it would certainly be much worse if any people become injured or killed because of some incident at sea. Whether it is a cruise ship with hundreds of passengers or a cargo ship with various numbers of valuable employees, the safety of the people on board their ships is the top priority of all shipping companies. As such, being able to know what weather and traffic conditions are on the waters, where their ships are located, and in what directions they are headed is absolutely critical.

Though effective for a number of decades, radar units do not provide enough comprehensive information about the many dangers that a ship at sea might face. Since both high-level satellite and computer technologies are incorporated into AIS systems, they provide much more vital information that can help protect a ship and its passengers or cargo while traveling. Aside from simply locating their own ships, companies can also find out what other ships are in the area, as well as what directions and speeds these are traveling, all of which could help prevent serious accidents. In addition to these traffic conditions, Vessel Tracking systems provide a large range of information about the conditions of the water and weather, and can even suggest safer, alternate routes the ship can use.

Whether by air or by sea, traveling long distances as safely as possible requires a lot of accurate information. With dangers from above, below, and all around, this is especially so for cruise ships and cargo ships. However, with a combination of radar systems and advanced AIS units, these threats can be greatly minimized. Click here for further information.