Automatic Identification System (AIS)
What is AIS?
Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a short range coastal tracking system that is used on ships and leisure boats for identifying and locating vessels automatically by exchanging electronic data with other nearby ships and vessel traffic stations. AIS information supplements, but does not replace, marine radar, which continues to be the primary method of collision avoidance for water transport.
AIS products are split in to two different classes:
- Class A products are for ships over 300 tonnes or which are SOLAS vessels and are required to meet the guidelines set out in the Marine Equipment Directive.
- Class B products are for non-SOLAS vessels. They need testing and certification under the R&TTE Directive for the European Union and FCC and Industry Canada certification for North America. Click here to read more about Class B products
Information provided by AIS equipment, such as unique identification, position, course, and speed, can be displayed on a screen or an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). AIS is intended to assist a vessel's officers and allow maritime authorities to track and monitor vessel movements. The system integrates standardised VHF transceiver systems and Global Positioning System receivers, with other electronic navigation sensors, such as a gyrocompass or rate of turn indicator.
AIS Testing from TÜV SÜD Product Service
TÜV SÜD Product Service can complete type testing on behalf of AIS equipment manufacturers worldwide to ensure that the products are able to communicate with any other AIS equipment in use and that the system integrates with marine products such as the communications and navigation systems.
Our comprehensive testing laboratory, based in Fareham, Hampshire is fully equipped to conduct all the testing required by IEC61993-2 (Class A), IEC62287-1 (Class B), IEC62320-2 (A to N) etc, which includes EMC, Environmental, Safety, RF and Protocol testing all under one roof.
AIS Certification from TÜV SÜD BABT
TÜV SÜD Product Services' certification body, TÜV SÜD BABT, is a Notified Body under the Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC. For certification to the Marine Equipment Directive, TÜV SÜD BABT can carry out conformity assessment procedures for Modules B, D, E, F and G.
Once a technical file has been compiled, TÜV SÜD BABT can certify your products, the assessment consists of Type Examination and Product Control. A successful certification assessment from TÜV SÜD BABT will result in your products gaining the Marine Equipment Directive Wheel Mark.
Click here to visit theTÜV SÜD BABT website
One Stop Testing and Certification
Although TÜV SÜD BABT provides certification for the Marine Equipment Directive, it is not mandatory to get your products tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service. Any 17025 accredited test house can be used. However, TÜV Product Service is the UK's leading Environmental, Radio Frequency, EMC and Safety testing laboratory, offering all these services under one roof.
If you choose to use TÜV SÜD Product Service and TÜV SÜD BABT respectively for testing and certification of your products, you will receive a one-stop service enabling you faster market access, provided from one location with one project manager as your single point of contact – making testing and certification a simple process.
For more information about Marine Equipment Directive certification click here.
How can you get your Class B AIS product approved?
AIS Class B devices fall within the scope of the R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC). There are no harmonised standards available for these devices so manufacturers must consult a Notified Body (NB) to identify a suitable test schedule (this is required by Annex III of the directive). Once a Notified Body has identified the test schedule, the manufacturer has the testing performed and then seeks the Notified Body expert opinion on the product compliance by presenting a Technical Construction File to the NB. The “CE” mark should be affixed to the product and the device can be marketed throughout the EU subject to national licensing considerations.
TÜV SÜD Product Service Ltd. can offer a complete test service for AIS Class B devices and TÜV SÜD BABT has certified many of these devices under the R&TTE Directive. If the Class B device is for sale in the USA and/or Canada, we can provide a test and certification service for both countries.
Why Choose TÜV SÜD Product Service for AIS Testing? |
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