AIS System Test on Offshore Converter Platform

As part of its maintenance visits, the team at b.offshore GmbH checks whether the Automatic Identification System (AIS) on offshore converter platforms in the North Sea is functioning correctly.

The AIS serves to ensure safe navigation at sea and, amongst other things, transmits the platform’s exact GPS position and dimensions by radio. This information is transmitted as a so-called “Message 21” and enables ships and other vessels to locate the platform reliably, even in conditions of restricted visibility.

As part of the technical inspection, the standing wave ratio (SWR) is also measured. If the measured value is below the permissible limit of 2, the proper functioning of the antenna system can be confirmed.

The transmission power of the AIS system must also comply exactly with the technical specifications (1 watt). A further functional test involves establishing radio contact with vessels in the immediate vicinity of the platform.

A successful test ensures that the offshore converter platform is displayed reliably and with the correct position, both for local maritime traffic and on the standard online vessel tracking portals.