Ais on or off

[hmason]

I’m wondering what is the safest approach to anchoring in an area that has “lonely” anchorages such as in GA. Would you leave your AIS on or off. I’m concerned with left on as it shows others that I’m anchored “alone” and a lot of boat details. Your thoughts?

 

[ScottC]

This is something I've never thought about. A reasonable concern, however.


We leave ours on, typically, as we have friends and family who follow us via apps like MarineTraffic. At least on this side of the pond, based on what I've experienced, I would doubt that even 50% of pleasure boats have an AIS transponder. So, a would-be thief would be unwise to conclude an anchorage is essentially empty based on seeing a single boat broadcasting an AIS signal.

 

[rgano]

I think if you search out the number of incidents of piratical boardings in the lonely anchorages of the USA you will find a vanishingly small number. If you are clear of the channel where barge traffic plies, go ahead and turn it off, but I have comforting experience being forced to anchor right alongside a barge channel with AIS left on. I confirmed my AIS visibility with the first towboat captain passing by and them slept soundly - with the doors locked and my ever-present ten-shooter under my pillow.

 

[Hippocampus]

Boarding and dinghy theft are a real concern in the eastern Caribbean and some spots in the US. Know this from fellow cruisers and noonsite.
Ideally when anchoring, especially if we’ll be off the boat for periods of time.
Avoid anchoring where we’ll be totally alone and out of sight of any nearby cruiser.
Anchor to windward or up current of the crowd. Don’t mind a longer dinghy ride. But not the absolute outer rim if possible.
Take the dinghy completely out of the water EVERY night.
No name on the dinghy. T/T is just pretentious and a invitation to board an empty boat. May work for the mega yacht crowd where the boat is never empty but not for us plebs. Leave the dinghy with a bit beat up appearance.
Lock engine and dinghy separately. Use chain to lock to dock when you ride in.
Leave AIS on if there’s nearby traffic. Otherwise no. Announces your presence. Only needed when doing so decreases risk of collision.
Once again assess situation. May act differently in St. Barts than St.Vincent. Differently in Nantucket than Baltimore.

 

[High Wire]

Granted in GA you can be 10 miles from any other human. You leave your anchor light on, correct? What’s the difference other than distance to be seen? The local perceived threat should already know where the anchorage areas are. On or off will make little difference to a determined bad guy. On will help emergency response folks find you faster if needed.

 

[HTurner]

Granted in GA you can be 10 miles from any other human. You leave your anchor light on, correct? What’s the difference other than distance to be seen? The local perceived threat should already know where the anchorage areas are. On or off will make little difference to a determined bad guy. On will help emergency response folks find you faster if needed.

Very good points. Leave on in an anchorage turn off at dock (particularly your home berth)... you only add to clutter.

 

[ksanders]

I leave my AIS on all the time.

One primary reason is it allows other boats to identify my boat by name when maybe they are int able to make out the boat name.

 

[ranger58sb]

At least on this side of the pond, based on what I've experienced, I would doubt that even 50% of pleasure boats have an AIS transponder. So, a would-be thief would be unwise to conclude an anchorage is essentially empty based on seeing a single boat broadcasting an AIS signal.

Granted in GA you can be 10 miles from any other human. You leave your anchor light on, correct? What’s the difference other than distance to be seen?

Both points correct, I think. Around where we've been, if 1% of boats have AIS I'd be surprised... so concluding there's only one boat in an anchorage based on a single AIS transmitter isn't really on target.

Seeing a single anchor light maybe is enough to make that same conclusion, but... most would probably leave the light on anyway per COLREGs -- and for safety, of a sort -- right?

-Chris

 

[O C Diver]

Federal regs for what they're worth, say leave it on including transient docks, and turn it off at home dock.

Mine has been on for the last 8 months.

Regarding anchoring in Georgia, I absolutely want it on. I can't see a downside to showing a boat is in an anchorage at night. Now a case can be made for turning the anchor light (Bug Light) off in the Georgia marsh. Just kidding.

AIS usage seems to be quite regional. I would liken it to the latest thing. Some places I see it on 75% of the vessels over 40'. Other places maybe 5%.

Ted

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

I leave my AIS on all the time.



One primary reason is it allows other boats to identify my boat by name when maybe they are int able to make out the boat name.

We are the same and leave our AIS on 24/7.

 

[OldDan1943]

You can also wire your AIS or put in a switch so you are not transmitting just receiving.
I did not post a picture in AIS, for security reasons, at the sales person recommendation.
This particular company works with BIG boats and wealthy owners who would rather not be kidnapped.
My AIS is normally fully turned on, receive and transmit.

 

[fgarriso]

Going by the rules your AIS is to be "ON" 24/7 unless your in drydock.

 

[koliver]

I’m wondering what is the safest approach to anchoring in an area that has “lonely” anchorages such as in GA. Would you leave your AIS on or off. I’m concerned with left on as it shows others that I’m anchored “alone” and a lot of boat details. Your thoughts?

How many pirates have an AIS receiver?
Speak up if you are one.
Seriously though, I can't imagine anyone having an AIS receiver also being a pirate.

 

[Larry M]

This was heading south by Fort Lauderdale. I have no idea of the percentage but it has to be pretty high.

 

[Simi 60]

Going by the rules your AIS is to be "ON" 24/7 unless your in drydock.

Can you point me to those rules please?

 

[OldDan1943]

Going by the rules your AIS is to be "ON" 24/7 unless your in drydock.

I know there is a rule addressing RADAR. Working and ON and "manned" but not required on recreational boats.

I guess I need to read the rule addressing AIS. I do know AIS is not required on recreational boats, yet.

People 'forget' to turn their VHF on.

 

[psneeld]

This from USCG NAVCEN website about AIS. There could be other info but I didn't see it in my quick scan....

para (b) covers vessels required to carry AIS

(v) For those vessels denoted in paragraph (b) of this section, the continual operation of AIS and its associated devices (e.g., positioning system, gyro, converters, displays) at all times while the vessel is underway or at anchor, and, if moored, at least 15 minutes prior to getting underway; except when its operation would compromise the safety or security of the vessel or a security incident is imminent. The AIS should be returned to continuous operation as soon as the compromise has been mitigated or the security incident has passed. The time and reason for the silent period should be recorded in the ship's official log and reported to the nearest Captain of the Port or Vessel Traffic Center (VTC).

 

[Circumnavigator]

Commenting on quotes from above:


"I did not post a picture in AIS, for security reasons"
If your boat is interesting and maybe even if it is not, photos of it will be posted by others at MarineTraffic.com. When Fintry appears there she has a number of photos. I don't know if you can ask MT to take them down.


"Going by the rules your AIS is to be "ON" 24/7 unless your in drydock."
The requirements for AIS are set forth at 33 CFR 164.46. All of the vessels mentioned there are in commercial operation -- carrying passengers, commercial towing, carrying cargo, dredging, etc. Even for those covered by 33 CFR 164.46(b), the requirement is that AIS be on "at all times while the vessel is underway or at anchor, and, if moored, at least 15 minutes prior to getting underway; except when its operation would compromise the safety or security of the vessel or a security incident is imminent." So, it can be off when the commercial vessel is tied to a dock, any dock.



"I know there is a rule addressing RADAR. Working and ON and "manned" but not required on recreational boats.
(snip)
People 'forget' to turn their VHF on."


The COLREGS at Rule 7 require the use of radar "if fitted and operational". While there is no requirement that recreational boats of our size carry radar, if you do have it and it is working, you must use it.


As for VHF, there is no requirement for recreational boats under 65' to have a VHF. Over 65', all vessels are required to monitor channel 16 and to monitor channel 13 at the helm. This requires 3 VHF radios as scanning is not permitted and when you need to use a working channel, you may not use the radios that are monitoring 16 and 13.


Jim

 

[psneeld]

Again, just because a recreational vessel has RADAR, it does not have to be on as the rules leave it to the discretion of the master "based on prevailing circumstances and conditions"....

RULE 7
Risk of Collision
(a) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there
is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist. (b) Proper use shall be
made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range
scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or
equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.

(b) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational,
including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and
radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.


"Proper use" refers back to para (a) which says "appropriate" not necessarily "always".

In many other documents the USCG states that it is not required just because it is installed (on vessels not required to have it) but if you have a collision and weren't using RADAR, you better be able to explain how it wouldn't have helped at all. These days with MARPA/ARPA you would be hard pressed but still might talk your way out of it.

This has been kicked around the block many times but until the wording in the COLREGS/NAVRULES is changed to "must".... it just isn't there yet.

 

[Simi 60]

So for the TLDR crowd

1) There is no requirement to have AIS, Radar or VHF on vessels under 300t
2) If you do have them there is no requirement to have them on at all times.

 

[Flatswing]

I’m wondering what is the safest approach to anchoring in an area that has “lonely” anchorages such as in GA. Would you leave your AIS on or off. I’m concerned with left on as it shows others that I’m anchored “alone” and a lot of boat details. Your thoughts?

Really this is not a concern in GA or most of the remote Anchorages on AICW. Use your anchor light as a minimum & deck lights if your anchor light is very high. There will most like be center consoles running by late or early . Your personal safety is way down the list of potential worries in these areas. We always leave our AIS on since it has the most accurate anchor watch/alarm.

 

[OldDan1943]

So for the TLDR crowd

1) There is no requirement to have AIS, Radar or VHF on vessels under 300t
2) If you do have them there is no requirement to have them on at all times.

The mystery deepens and more confusing.
1. not required for us.
2. Is is interesting to read the part about operation durning the risk of piracy.
3. If used on a to commercial craft.... AIS but class A is required
4. I guess that leave us out twice because B is not mentioned nor properly defined.

Yet another attempt to clear things up only resulting mudding up the waters further. Oh I love regulations.

 

[O C Diver]

So for the TLDR crowd

1) There is no requirement to have AIS, Radar or VHF on vessels under 300t
2) If you do have them there is no requirement to have them on at all times.

While that may be so, the USCG (United States Coast Guard) can find you at fault for not using it. If you're involved in an accident, the USCG will assign liability relative to who is at fault based on what you did or didn't do, or in this case take advantage of. As an example, you have a collision in the fog. If your vessel is equipped with radar and you didn't have it on, the USCG can assign a portion of the blame to you for not using all available means to prevent the collision. From there you can find yourself in court for civil liabilities.

While it may be the Tug boat captain's fault if he runs your boat down while anchored next to the shipping channel at night, no anchor light or the AIS off (if so equipped) may make you partially responsible. From there the lawyers take over.

Ted

 

[Sailor of Fortune]

I would always leave it on... why would you shut it down? Anchored in the winding ICW parts of Georgia...

 

[psneeld]

Let's not confuse not using them when a prudent mariner normally would, like in fog.

Daylight, 10 mile vis and running the backwaters of narrow ACIW channels, at 7 knots....does one really think a RADAR is helping to avoid collision? I would say at that point it is more distraction.

 

[guy with a boat]

Boarding and dinghy theft are a real concern in the eastern Caribbean and some spots in the US. Know this from fellow cruisers and noonsite.

Where in the U.S. have your sources indicated that boarding and theft are a real concern?

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Where in the U.S. have your sources indicated that boarding and theft are a real concern?

See it in the PNW all the time. In fact, folks have to make sure their dinghies are stored or cable and pad locked as thiefs pull up to your boat while you are at anchor and sleeping. If you go ashore for dinner, then your boat disappears.

 

[guy with a boat]

See it in the PNW all the time. In fact, folks have to make sure their dinghies are stored or cable and pad locked as thiefs pull up to your boat while you are at anchor and sleeping. If you go ashore for dinner, then your boat disappears.

That doesn’t sound good. Where in the PNW have you seen this?

 

[Simi 60]

While that may be so, the USCG (United States Coast Guard) can find you at fault for not using it. If you're involved in an accident, the USCG will assign liability relative to who is at fault based on what you did or didn't do, or in this case take advantage of. As an example, you have a collision in the fog. If your vessel is equipped with radar and you didn't have it on, the USCG can assign a portion of the blame to you for not using all available means to prevent the collision. From there you can find yourself in court for civil liabilities.

Don't see how.
If it is not a requirement to have it on it is not a requirement to have it on, simple as that.
If it is a requirement, it needs to be written in law or legislation.
They can't just make stuff up.

While it may be the Tug boat captain's fault if he runs your boat down while anchored next to the shipping channel at night, no anchor light or the AIS off (if so equipped) may make you partially responsible. From there the lawyers take over.

Ted

Ah, now that's totally different.
An anchor light is required by law

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

That doesn’t sound good. Where in the PNW have you seen this?

One place is the San Jauns WA, and Nanaimo CA.