Report Text:
It would appear that for the last couple of weeks the AIS heading information on a vessel regularly visiting our port has been incorrect. This could result in some considerable confusion in a close quarters situation at sea.
CHIRP Comment:
We immediately contacted the ship’s manager, who contacted the ship. Â It transpired that the heading information being transmitted by AIS was about 25 degrees in error. The fault was rectified.
This highlights that, in assessing a traffic situation, absolute reliance should not be placed on the accuracy of information being transmitted by AIS, or on a single source of information. When possible, check the accuracy of the AIS data being transmitted by your vessel.
