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Real Life Incident: Incorrect AIS Information Leads To Collision of Vessels And Fatalities
In the early morning, before sunrise, two towing vessels were approaching an almost 90° bend on a river in opposite directions. Neither vessel was broadcasting the correct total length of their vessel and tow to other AIS users. The first vessel’s AIS broadcast showed 22 meters, yet the overall length of the vessel and its two-barge tow was 205 meters.
The second vessel’s AIS broadcast showed 61 meters, but the overall length of the vessel and its 40-barge tow was 488 meters. As the vessels rounded the bend and completed their turns, they collided, causing the down-bound towing vessel to capsize and sink with several fatalities.
The accurate display of a vessel’s full length becomes particularly important in situations that prevent vessels from seeing each other until they are in very close proximity.
Lessons learned
- AIS is a valuable tool that shares critical vessel information with other vessel operators. However, the usefulness of AIS is dependent on accurate vessel data entry.
- While correct overall length is important for all vessels, tug and tow operations are particularly vulnerable to errors due to the changing value of their total length with each job.
- Incorrect AIS information will give a false mental picture to other vessel operators in the vicinity and can contribute to accidents.
Reference: nautinst.org
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Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
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The size of the ship is programed under password protect. The crew can’t change the parameter without the password. 80% of the ships.
In the barges 20% of the ships, the AIS ship size is set over the engine boat, no the barges connected.
Maybe new regulations or manufacturer software update, can help reducing the incidents.