AIS for USVs (Automatic Identification System) is primarily used to increase situational awareness and reduce the risk of conflict with crewed traffic. The Sailbuoy is equipped with an AIS receiver, allowing the operator to detect and identify nearby vessels that are transmitting AIS signals. This makes it possible to monitor traffic in the operating area and, if needed, contact vessels directly to ensure safe separation.
In addition to AIS reception, the Sailbuoy can be equipped with a radar reflector and has a navigation light that can be switched on remotely to improve visibility when required. AIS reception works alongside Iridium command/telemetry and geofencing, enabling operators to plan routes, set alerts, and maintain safe operations.
Local maritime rules, permits, and operational requirements apply; this description is informational only and not legal advice.
AIS provides identification and positional information from nearby vessels, which the Sailbuoy receives through its onboard AIS receiver. This allows operators to see crewed vessels on standard charts and plotting tools, enhancing situational awareness during missions. Combined with Iridium control, mission logging, geofencing, and alerting, AIS reception supports safe operation in traffic-dense areas and near critical assets.
The combination of AIS reception and Iridium control reduces collision risk by giving operators real-time awareness of nearby vessel traffic. This supports coordination with VTS when required and provides a full record of mission tracks and operator actions. Together with geofencing, the remote-controlled navigation light, and optional radar reflector, AIS reception helps keep autonomous operations predictable—reducing vessel-days while maintaining a strong safety posture.
Is AIS mandatory for USVs?
Unmanned ships are often treated as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and, in principle, are expected to follow existing AIS rules under IMO/SOLAS. However, a small USV like Sailbuoy (less than 2.5 m) typically falls into a "mini" or small MASS category where national regulations often exempt vessels from standard certification and AIS carriage requirements. In practice, AIS is therefore usually not mandatory for Sailbuoy-sized USVs, but operators must always confirm obligations with the relevant flag state and coastal authorities; this is not legal advice.
How does AIS interact with Iridium control?
AIS receives identity and position information from nearby traffic; Iridium provides global command, telemetry, geofencing, and alerts for the operator.