Extending the Automatic Identification System (AIS) from local coverage into a national sensor array (NAIS) whose assets can be tasked to support the operational missions of Coast Guard sector commands is a continuing challenge. These assets must:
- Cover 95,000 miles of coastline
- Track vessels beyond the range of VHF technology
- Integrate with systems outside NAIS to defeat jamming and spoofing
- Overcome extreme environmental conditions of weather and isolation
- Meet externally imposed reliability thresholds
Other stakeholders, such as the defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and commercial maritime communities, also wish to take advantage of the promise of AIS technology. NAIS must be capable of providing AIS data to any such agency or organization that needs to maintain an operational picture within a port, waterway, or coastal zone. This potential user base and its expanded requirements represent even more challenges.
The BAE Systems NAIS project team’s work with both AIS technology and its developers has given us an uncommon insight into potential solutions for extending AIS technology to enhance maritime awareness and support the missions of all stakeholders.
