Surveys and Questionnaires

National Simplified AIS ASM and AIS AtoN Questionnaire

In response to feedback collected from mariners who completed the separate AIS Application Specific Messages (AIS ASM) and AIS Aids to Navigation (AIS AtoN) questionnaires, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has combined these two questionnaires into a single simplified six-question questionnaire. Respondents are asked to provide details on the ECDIS system in use to display AIS ASM and AIS AtoN information and then indicate if they are able to see specific AIS information in their area.

To receive and display AIS ASM and AIS AtoNs, electronic equipment, such as ECDIS, ECS, PPU and AIS transponders must be properly interfaced with a Class A AIS device. The equipment must also be updated to the latest International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.

CCG is seeking feedback from mariners on these services through this new online questionnaire, the results of which will guide the e-Navigation program in expanding and improving this information service.

If you would like to participate in this questionnaire, please click on the link below.

Access the National AIS ASM and AIS AtoN Questionnaire

AIS Application Specific Messages Questionnaire (Closed)

Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), initiated test beds across Canada to provide near real-time Meteorological/Hydrographical (Met/Hydro) data to mariners through AIS Application Specific Messages (AIS ASM). The test beds aimed to evaluate the benefit to mariners of receiving this information directly on their bridge equipment.

CCG began broadcasting MET/HYDRO-related AIS ASM messages in the Western Region in July 2016. Broadcasts were then expanded to include the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Waterways, and Atlantic Region.

AIS was initially developed as a vessel tracking system (operating in the Very High Frequency [VHF] maritime band) to allow the exchange of information such as vessel identification, position, course and speed. The system also allows for broadcasting of binary messages. AIS binary “Message 8” is used for MET/HYDRO information.

Transport Canada’s Navigation Safety Regulations (SOR/2005-134) outline which vessels must carry an AIS device. However, the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) policy stipulates that Minimum Keyboard Display (MKD) is the minimum carriage requirement for vessels required to carry an AIS transponder.

To receive and display AIS ASM, electronic equipment, such as ECDIS, ECS, PPU and AIS transponders must be properly interfaced with a Class A AIS device. The equipment must also be updated to the latest International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.

CCG sought feedback from mariners on this new service through an online questionnaire, the results of which were to guide the e-Navigation program in expanding and improving this information service.

In response to feedback received from respondents, the AIS Application Specific Messages Questionnaire was closed in November 2018 and replaced by the National Simplified AIS ASM and AIS AtoN Questionnaire that combined both the AIS ASM and AIS AtoN Questionnaires into a single shorter, more compact questionnaire.

AIS AtoN Questionnaire (Closed)

Since 2017, Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has deployed a number of Real, Synthetic Predicted, and Virtual AIS AtoNs to throughout the country. Areas in to which these AIS AtoNs have been deployed include:

• Victoria, B.C. (Synthetic Predicted and Virtual AIS AtoNs)
• Triple Islands, B.C. (Synthetic Predicted and Virtual AIS AtoNs)
• Nigel Island, B.C. (Synthetic Predicted and Virtual AIS AtoNs)
• Richmond, B.C. (Synthetic Predicted AIS AtoNs)
• Georgia Strait, B.C. (Synthetic Predicted AIS AtoNs)
• Lake Erie, Ont. (Synthetic Predicted and Virtual AIS AtoNs)
• Lac Saint-Louis, Que. (Synthetic Predicted AIS AtoNs)
• Lac Saint-Pierre, Que. (Synthetic Predicted and Virtual AIS AtoNs)
• Ste-Croix, Que. (Real and Virtual AIS AtoNs)
• Banc du Cap Brûlé, Que. (Synthetic Predicted AIS AtoNs)
• Ile aux Coudres, Que. (Synthetic Predicted AIS AtoNs)
• Baie Sainte-Catherine, Que. (Synthetic Predicted AIS AtoNs); and
• Halifax Harbour, N.S. (Real, Synthetic Predicted, and Virtual AIS AtoNs)

The purpose of the AIS AtoN test bed was to verify the capacity of vessels operating in Canadian waters to receive and display information associated with these AIS AtoNs. To this end, CCG created a national-level survey aimed at ship pilots navigating in areas where AIS AtoNs are deployed.

The survey contained 14 primary questions divided among three sections - Pilot and vessel information, AIS AtoN display, and general feedback. Additional follow-on questions appeared depending on the answers provided to the primary questions (e.g. to elaborate on the manufacturer, model, and version of on-board equipment, or to provide additional details on observed offset between an AIS AtoN and a radar mark). As well, the questionnaire included an opportunity to share photos of what pilots were able to see on their displays.

In order to conduct an accurate review of AIS AtoN technology, the CCG was also interested in instances in which AIS AtoNs were unable to be correctly displayed on on-board navigational display systems as much as situations in which AIS AtoNs were displayed without issue.

In response to feedback received from respondents, the AIS AtoN Questionnaire was closed in November 2018 and replaced by the National Simplified AIS ASM and AIS AtoN Questionnaire that combines both the AIS ASM and AIS AtoN questionnaires into a single shorter, more compact questionnaire.