So called “fishing beacons” are extensively offered online
The Federal Communications Commission is to punish using “nuisance AIS” transponders released on points like angling internet as well as extensively offered from websites such as ebay.com as “fishing beacons.”
A publishing on the Coast Guard’s Maritime Commons blog site quotes Jorge Arroyo of the Coast Guard’s Navigation Technology as well as Risk Management Division claiming:
“In the last year, the Coast Guard has received various reports from perplexed AIS users who have seen various unknown and erratic targets appearing on their AIS, many of which were unable to be ‘seen’ on radar or visually.”
According to Arroyo, additional research study showed that a lot of these ghost targets have actually ended up being as AIS-like tools utilized to note fishnets, yet they look like vessels to others.
“This is contrary to FCC and USCG regulations, such non-compliant devices, amongst other things, are illegal to be sold, purchased or used in the U.S.,” claimed Arroyo.
The Federal Communication Commission released an enforcement consultatory repeating this to vendors, marketers, as well as drivers of noncompliant Automatic Identification Systems tools like AIS Fish Net Buoys.
“The use of noncompliant AIS devices is illegal and has the potential to disrupt important maritime communications, increasing the risk of accidents by creating confusion about whether an AIS signal represents a vessel that must be avoided,” the consultatory states.
“AIS is required to be properly installed, maintained, and used, but foremost, you should ensure you are buying a true AIS and not a knock-off sold on the internet,” claimedArroyo “As with all purchases, buyers beware—be informed.”
UNITED STATE Coast Guard type-approved tools are identified thus as well as phoned number, either as USCG 165.155. xxxx or 165.156. xxxx. Similarly, they will certainly additionally be identified with a FCC type-certification number.
Given the possible damage non-compliant tools might carry navigating security as well as the Coast Guard’s passion in all AIS tools being run as well as kept in correct order, the Coast Guard will certainly aid the FCC in applying its regulations.
Violators of the FCC’s guideline might undergo the charges licensed by the Communications Act, consisting of however not restricted to, significant financial penalties of approximately $19,639 daily for advertising and marketing infractions as well as approximately $147,290 for a recurring offense.
Read the FCC advisoryHERE
