Automated Secure Vessel Tracking System

The Maritime Information Service of North America’s (MISNA) Automated Secure Vessel Tracking System (ASVTS) was developed in the spirit of the marine industry's "Shared Commitment" to help the Coast Guard and other agencies ensure safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound maritime operations. It also addresses the Maritime Transportation Security Act’s objective of providing the Coast Guard and other maritime security agencies information on the location and identity of major vessels en route and operating in U.S. waters to aid homeland defense. As Coast Guard Commandant Collins stated, "maritime domain awareness is the centerpiece of our maritime security strategy." ASVTS helps provide this capability.

ASVTS utilizes data provided by both AIS (Automatic Identification System) and satellite communications systems or LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking) to provide worldwide tracking of vessels. Where MISNA AIS shore stations are in place (40 AIS sites in North America in January 2006 and growing) an AIS equipped vessel's position is updated every minute in addition to the satellite position reports which are received every 30 minutes to every few hours, depending on the shipper's desires.

ASVTS is an open architecture system that can identify the name and location of all participating vessels through the use of the Global Marine Distress Safety System (GMDSS) or Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) or a wide range of other satellite communications equipment. In most cases existing onboard satellite systems can be used. When not available, satellite transponders can be provided at a cost between $600 to $3,000 installed.

The vessel tracking information is processed by the MISNA network of maritime associations in the U.S. and British Columbia and disseminated to the Coast Guard, Office of Naval Intelligence, Customs, Immigration and Naturalization Service and other security agencies as well as the owner/operator. The information is viewable on a secure internet Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is accessed by an assigned user name and password that restricts the level and extent of information access.

Costs of services are based on the type of equipment used, whether AIS and LRIT information is desired, satellite polling rates, number of users, etc.

Generally satellite tracking of vessels costs a "latte a day" or $3.00 - $4.00. Additional costs for accessing satellite and/or AIS data on ship is charged to shore support entities that are authorized access who have a role in providing for safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound maritime operations.

An article on the WORLD OF VESSEL TRACKING authored by MISNA President Captain Ed Page, published in Port Technology provides additional information.

Call the Marine Exchange of Alaska's MISNA coordinating office for ASVTS at (907) 463-2607 for more details.