Operation Manual

M-2 AIS Operation Issue 1 3
The M-2 is primarily designed for use as a shipborne AIS mobile station, and
comprises of two main parts:
Transponder
The M-2 AIS transponder has an integral Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) engine used for timing, one radio transmitter, three radio receivers and
a computer unit. The AIS equipment should be interfaced to the vessel’s primary
GNSS navigation receiver, connected to a marine antenna and be interfaced to
the vessel’s gyro compass.
As appropriate to the class and use of vessel, there is provision for additional
interface connections : Rate of Turn (ROT) indicator, bottom track speed log,
differential beacon Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, Electronic Chart
Display Information System (ECDIS) or Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA)
system, Pilot Plug and Long Range port.
Display
The Display is used to input vessel details, configure the system and to display
AIS target information.
An IMO pilot plug socket box may be attached to a socket on the rear of the
display or connected directly to the transponder.
AIS in use
The AIS Transponder transmits information which is separated into three
groups:
Static data - Vessel name, type, length and breadth, MMSI and IMO numbers
and GNSS antenna location.
Dynamic data – Position, accuracy and integrity of the position, time, course
and speed over ground and navigational status.
Voyage data – Cargo, draught, port of destination and estimated time of arrival.
In addition, the AIS can transmit and receive Safety Messages . These may
include navigation safety information, warnings of floating objects, collisions,
meteorological situations, etc.
Differential correction information for GNSS can be processed by the AIS,
increasing the accuracy of positional information and hence the safety of the
vessel. Differential correction information can also be provided by connection of
a supplementary differential beacon differential receiver.