Guidance

MGN 324 (M+F) Amendment 2 navigation: watchkeeping safety – use of Very High Frequency (VHF) radio and Automatic Identification System (AIS)

This guidance note highlights appropriate use of the AIS and VHF marine radio for collision avoidance. It also includes key points from IMO circular regarding use of AIS aids to navigation.

From:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Published
22 March 2022

Documents

MGN 324 (M+F) Amendment 2

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Appendix - UK AIS Network

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Details

Notice to all Owners, Masters, Officers and Pilots of Merchant Ships; Nautical Training Institutions; Owners and Skippers of Fishing Vessels, and Owners of Yachts and Pleasure Vessels.

This note replaces MGN 324 (M+F) Amendment 1.

Given the continuing number of casualties where the misuse of very high frequency marine radio has been established as a contributory factor, it has been decided to continue with the publication of the MCA guidance on the use of Very High Frequency radio (VHF). Additionally, appropriate use of the Automatic Identification System (AIS), especially with regard to collision avoidance, has been highlighted in conformance with the IMO guidelines which have been revised in December 2015, and included also are key points from IMO circular covering the use of AIS aids to navigation.

Key Points

  • Although the use of Very High Frequency (VHF) radio transceiver may be justified on occasion as a collision avoidance aid, the provisions of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG) should remain uppermost.

  • The use of marine VHF equipment must be in accordance with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations.

  • There is currently no explicit provision in the COLREG for the use of AIS information, however, the potential of AIS to improve situation awareness is recognised and AIS may be included as such in the future.

  • The navigation safety related functions of AIS are to help identify ships, assist in target tracking and provide additional information to assist situation awareness.

  • Limitations of AIS with respect to mandatory carriage based on vessel types and sizes have also been highlighted.

  • IMO Circular, covering Presentation of navigation-related symbols, terms and abbreviations, especially with regard to the AIS use as physical and virtual aids to navigation has been referenced.

Published 22 March 2022

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