Minor safety issue

The evidence suggests that Class B AIS transmissions may not be reliably detected by watch keepers on board all ships. Therefore, operators of small vessels fitted with Class B AIS units should be aware that they cannot rely on the AIS unit alone to warn ships of their presence.

Safety advisory notice

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that all owners, operators and skippers of small vessels should consider the safety implications of this safety issue and take action where considered appropriate.