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Goverment Update better than that of radar due to the longer wavelength of AIS. Thus, it is possible to obtain an AIS report before the true radar image appears on the radar screen. The usual range of AIS is 20 n.m. The shipboard AIS unit broadcasts the following information every two to 10 seconds while underway and every three minutes while at anchor: • The unit's maritime mobile identity (MMSI), a unique identifier for each ship radio unit, assigned by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). • The navigation status of the ship (e.g., underway using engine, at anchor, not under command). • Rate of turn. • Speed over ground. • Position accuracy. • Longitude and latitude. • Course over ground. • True heading. • Time stamp. In addition, the AIS unit broadcasts the following information every six minutes: • MMSI number. • Ship's IMO number. • Ship's radio call sign. • Name of ship (up to 20 characters). • Type of ship and cargo. • Dimensions of ship (in meters). • Location on ship where the refer- ence point for position reports is located. • Type of position fixing device uti- lized by ship. • Draft of ship (in meters). • Destination of ship (at master's dis- cretion). • Estimated time of arrival (ETA) at destination (at master's discretion). The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has developed informal guidance regarding approval of AIS installations on U.S.-flag ships, but it has not yet promulgated its regulations. Likewise, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued informal guidance describing the certification process for AIS and other navigation equipment mandated by the SOLAS Convention. Until those two agen- cies promulgate their regulations, AIS approval for U.S. ships will remain an ad hoc process. Type approvals have recently been issued, though, by the FCC and the Coast Guard for two commercial AIS sys- tems. Deadlines There are at least four separate sets of deadlines for use of AIS. • For ships entering the St. Lawrence Seaway in North America, use of AIS June 2003 was required as of the commencement of the 2003 navigation season, March 31, 2003. Portable AIS units are avail- able for rent by ships not having AIS permanently installed. • For ships transiting the Panama Canal, use of AIS will be required as of July 1, 2003. As with the St. Lawrence Seaway, portable AIS units will be available for rent by ships not having AIS permanent- ly installed. • For ships operating in U.S. waters, installation and use of AIS will be required in accordance with the follow- ing schedule: SILICON C.D.A. Alloy 655 • SHEET & PLATE • ROUND ROD • SQUARE ROD • ROUND TUBING • WELDING ROD FLAT BAR • CASTING ALLOYS: 95-4-1 & 92-4-4, 1/2" cubes to 20 lb. ingots • SQUARE TUBING: 1"X1"X. 120 wall (alloy 220) Fabrication Properties Corrosion Resistance Capacity for being cold worked Capacity for being hot formed Suitability for being joined by: Brazing Oxyacetylene welding Gas shielded arc welding Resistance welding Hot forgeability rating Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Excellent 40 ATLAS METAL SALES 1401 Umatilla St. • Denver, Colorado 80204 800-662-0143 • 303-623-0143 Fax: 1-303-623-3034 E-Mail: jsimms@atlasmetal.com Website: www.atlasmetal.com CALL FOR QUOTATION OR FREE BROCHURE Circle 212 on Reader Service Card The Port of Los Angeles is now a safer Port with three Kvichak fast-response fire boats patrolling its waters. From coast-to-coast Kvichak fire and patrol boats help to ensure the safety of businesses and communities along the waterfront. Make your Port and coastlines a safer place, contact Kvichak today for a new vessel. Kvichak Marine 469 NW Bowdoin Place • Seattle, WA 98107 • Phone: 206-545-8485 Fax; 206-545-3504 • E-mail: sales@kvichak.com • www.kvichak.com Circle 279 on Reader Service Card Americ Corporation 1910 E. Devon Ave. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 For more information, call 800-364-4642 or Fax 847-364-4695 www.americ.com Circle 207 on Reader Service Card Where performance is built Since the 1960s, Manly Marine Closures Ltd. has set the standard for quality, performance and reliability. Today our products can be found on vessels across the oceans of the world, furthering our reputation as an industry leader in marine closure construction. Marine architects and owners routinely specify Manly Marine doors, windows and hatches. Call for further information. IVI/\IMLY MARIME 20 Brooksbank Avenue PO Box 86788 North Vancouver, BC Canada V7L 4L3 tel (604) 984-4635 fax (604) 983-2713 email: info@manly.com www. manly, com Circle 287 on Reader Service Card 19