A recent study conducted by Heriot-Watt University has revealed a significant gap in the maritime surveillance of Scotland’s coastal waters. The findings indicate that over half of the vessels currently operating in these waters are effectively “invisible” to standard maritime tracking systems.
Tracking Issue
Research conducted by a team at Heriot-Watt University has revealed a significant issue with vessel tracking along the Scottish coast. Their findings indicate that only 43% of vessels operating within 10 kilometers of the coastline broadcast an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal. AIS is the standard global technology used to monitor ship movements.
The researchers emphasize that this lack of AIS visibility creates substantial risks for marine life, maritime safety, and the implementation of sustainable ocean management practices. Their study, published in the journal Marine Policy, analyzed over 1800 hours of land and sea surveys conducted between 2019 and 2024. The surveys covered nine of Scotland’s eleven marine regions and demonstrated considerable regional and seasonal variations in AIS visibility. Notably, a significant portion of the data was collected by citizen scientists from organizations such as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Shorewatch in Shetland, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, and the Community of Arran Seabed Trust. These volunteers were trained to adhere to a standardized methodology for surveying and quantifying ships.
Dr. Emily Hague from Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society commented on the findings, stating: “This data challenges the assumption that we can rely on AIS to tell us what’s really happening in our coastal seas. In some areas, over 75% of vessel activity goes unrecorded.”
Regional Variations
The study’s findings reveal significant gaps in AIS data coverage along the Scottish coast, particularly for smaller vessels which are not legally mandated to carry the technology. This lack of comprehensive data, as highlighted by the low AIS transmission rates in regions like the Outer Hebrides and the Forth and Tay, poses considerable challenges for effective marine management and safety.
While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates AIS carriage for larger vessels (generally those over 300 gross tonnage engaged on international voyages, cargo ships of 500 GT and upwards not on international voyages, and all passenger ships regardless of size), smaller vessels such as fishing boats under 15m, recreational craft, and jet skis are typically exempt from these regulations.
However, these smaller vessels can voluntarily install and broadcast AIS data using Class B transponders, which are more affordable and less complex than the Class A systems required for larger ships. The benefits of voluntary AIS for smaller vessels include:
- Enhanced Safety: Increased visibility to larger vessels and shore-based authorities, reducing the risk of collisions, especially in poor visibility conditions or high-traffic areas.
- Improved Situational Awareness: Providing small vessel operators with real-time information on the movements of other vessels in their vicinity.
- Facilitation of Search and Rescue: In emergency situations, AIS signals can significantly aid search and rescue operations by providing accurate location data.
- Support for Marine Management: Contributing valuable data for monitoring fishing activities, recreational boating patterns, and overall vessel traffic, which can inform conservation efforts and sustainable resource management.
The Heriot-Watt team’s research underscores the importance of encouraging voluntary AIS adoption among smaller vessel operators to improve the overall picture of vessel activity in coastal areas, thereby enhancing safety and supporting better ocean governance.
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Source: Heriot Watt University
