Interesting that an intrepid Boston Globe reporter figured out that AIS transponders might have prevented two Boston ferries from hitting each other in thick fog yesterday morning. This is the sort of thing that promotes public awareness of a valuable safety technology, and perhaps will encourage the FCC, USCG, etc. to move expeditiously on approving Class B and mandating its use on such vessels (or argue that Class A is worth the cost). On the other hand, operator error can not be ignored. Heck, these two boats both work for the MBTA. Wouldn’t you think that they’d know where each other was and be in VHF contact? Not that we all aren’t capable of mistakes. I’ve often thought that running ferries must be a particularly hard gig as the tendency to get lax must be major. (Thanks for the head’s up to Doran, who can, on a good day, float you over bustling Boston Harbor.)
Posted by Ben on July 11, 2007 9:35 AM
Comments
More basic to the discussion about electronics that might have prevented the collision should be the following of the 72 ColRegs (Rules of the Road.)
Yeah, I was surprised that more Ferry boats didn't have AIS considering the Tonage, Passengers, etc. In fog I passed two Ferry Boats crossing Long island sound going back and forth from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport. Not small at all, and at there speed certainly worth of Class A AIS.
Funny thing is nearly all of the Ferry boats in New York had AIS, explain that?? Is it just do to the Big traffic??
Posted by: bigjohn at July 11, 2007 11:09 PM
Oh I almost forgot, a funny is there are some double ended ferry boats in New York. So when going backwards you would see the AIS arrow shape going backwards at 15+ knots.
Posted by: bigjohn at July 11, 2007 11:10 PM
I'm putting a links page together for my blog on Maritime accidents and came across you site. You might be interested in the Case of the Wandering Monarch podcast and transcript at maritimeaccident.wordpress.com
AIS is used extensively on LIS, most tugs, larger yachts and the party boats broadcast. A glaring omission are the cross Sound ferries which do not. Not only are they AIS-less, getting them to answer a call on 16 (or 13) is like pulling teeth. Having said that, I must also say that they have never failed to alter for me, a sailing vessel, when the situation calls for it.
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