Hong Kong Issues Advisory on Revised AIS Standards

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  • IMO Adopts New AIS Performance Requirements Under MSC.570(109).
  • AIS Equipment Must Broadcast Unique Manufacturer ID from 2029.
  • AIS Ship ID Changes Restricted to Authorised Agents Only.

The Hong Kong Marine Department has put out a notice about the updated performance standards for the universal shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS), following some recent changes made by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), reports Safety4Sea.

IMO Adopts New AIS Standards Under Resolution MSC.570(109)

During its 109th session on December 6, 2024, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee approved the revised Performance Standards for AIS through resolution MSC.570(109). These updates reflect the latest advancements in maritime communication and vessel tracking technology.

Key Additions to the Revised Standards

The new standards come with fresh requirements designed to improve equipment traceability and data security. For instance, AIS equipment is now required to broadcast an Equipment Identification message that includes a unique manufacturer equipment identification number, which also needs to be physically marked on the device. Moreover, any changes to the IMO ship identification number encoded in the AIS can only be made by an authorised manufacturer’s agent, ensuring that critical vessel identity data remains secure.

Implementation Timeline and Applicability

The updated standards will apply to AIS equipment installed on these types of ships:

  1. New ships for which the building contract is signed on or after January 1, 2029. If there’s no contract, this applies to ships where the keel is laid or construction reaches a similar stage on or after that date.
  2. Existing ships that are getting AIS installed, provided the equipment has a contractual delivery date on or after January 1, 2029, or is physically delivered on or after this date if there’s no contract in place.

Legacy Ships to Follow Previous Standards

For any other situations that don’t meet the criteria above, the installation of AIS equipment will continue to adhere to the previous Recommendation on Performance Standards as outlined in IMO resolution MSC.74(69).

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Source: Safety4Sea