QUESTION 4.1.4

Automatic Identification System

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGBridge

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether AIS static, dynamic and voyage data are accurate and the display is used only as a supplementary source of identity and situational awareness, with officers able to configure, cross-check, test and respond to failure of the actual equipment fitted.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

PROCEDUREThe company procedure defines safe use, testing, limitations and failure response for automatic identification system.CONFIGURATIONMMSI, call sign, dimensions, antenna position, draught, destination, ETA, navigational status and sensor inputs are checked against the vessel and current voyage.FUNCTION TESTUse the built-in test, verify transmitted and received data on an independent display or approved check, inspect alarms and record periodic data validation.TRANSMISSIONAIS remains operating except where the Master lawfully decides that transmission compromises ship safety or security, with reasons recorded.SENSOR SOURCEPosition, COG, SOG, heading and rate-of-turn inputs are identified and cross-checked.COLLISION USEOfficers do not use AIS-derived CPA or identity as the sole collision-avoidance basis.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What safety function does automatic identification system provide?

Ais static, dynamic and voyage data are accurate and the display is used only as a supplementary source of identity and situational awareness.

2How is the complete function tested?

Use the built-in test, verify transmitted and received data on an independent display or approved check, inspect alarms and record periodic data validation.

3What is its principal limitation?

AIS information may be wrong, delayed, spoofed, manually entered or absent and is not a substitute for radar plotting or COLREG compliance.

4What is your response if it fails?

Continue safe navigation by radar, visual and other means, verify own-ship data and report or control any transmission defect under SOLAS and company procedure.

5Show the latest test and operational evidence.

Link the dated record to the actual unit, test method, result, defect response and restoration; a panel lamp test alone is not sufficient where the full signal path can be tested.

Where an observation may arise

PROCEDURE UNKNOWN

The responsible officer cannot explain safe use, limitations or failure response.

TEST INCOMPLETE

Testing does not prove the required operational function or remote indication.

STATIC DATA

Dimensions or antenna offsets are incorrect.

VOYAGE DATA

Draught, destination, ETA or status is stale or misleading.

AIS RELIANCE

A manoeuvre is based on AIS information without radar and visual assessment.

Master's practical note

Check the antenna-reference dimensions and navigational status. These are commonly accepted from an old configuration because the target still appears normally on screen.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: AIS use is governed by SOLAS, flag and security procedures. Any decision to switch off transmission must be made and recorded by the Master under the permitted safety or security exception.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 4.1.4
SOLAS Chapter V regulation 19
IMO Resolution A.1106(29)
COLREG
ICS Bridge Procedures Guide

Last reviewed: 2026-09-11