Mandatory carriage of AIS:
Chapter V of the 1974 SOLAS Convention (as amended) requires mandatory carriage of Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment on all vessels constructed on or after 01 July 2002. Implementation for other types and sizes of SOLAS Convention vessels is continuing until not later than the first safety equipment survey after 01 July 2004 or by 31 December 2004, whichever occurs earlier. As well, ships fitted with AIS shall maintain AIS in operation at all times except where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the protection of navigational information.
