Automatic Identification System - Internet (AIS-I)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is considering deploying and sustaining an Automatic Identification System (AIS)-like service for recreational boaters. In brief, the service would allow mariners to continually report their identification and position to the NOAA service and to receive the positions and locations of other participating mariners. The service would run over the Internet with mariners using smart phone-like devices and Apps developed by non-governmental entities. The service would be both voluntary and free to mariners and App developers. This potential service is intended as a supplement to the U.S. Coast Guard's AIS service that runs over VHF radio and which is targeted to commercial mariners. The benefit would be a potential improvement to waterways safety due to better knowledge of competing vessel traffic. The information would also be used for other government purposes such as better prioritizing NOAA's charting efforts and for homeland security purposes. This announcement is provided to solicit comments on the government's proposed service. The announcement is not a solicitation for services. Please submit comments, including requests for a return phone call, to NOAA at http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/idrs/inquiry.aspx?frompage=Homepage.