Global maritime surveillance with satellite-based AIS

Abstract

A space based receiving system for signals of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) will extend the coverage of the existing ground network, which is limited to the coastal zone (30 - 50 nautical miles) to open seas. With newly available satellitebased AIS receivers, the complete global ocean shipping fleet of about 60,000 ships (AIS Class A) can be tracked. The safe processing and distribution of satellite-based AIS messages to authorized users by a public traffic monitoring centre will contribute to a significantly enhanced maritime safety and security. ©2009 IEEE.