Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) have been installed in seven different locations in the country in order to identify large vessels coming into Maldivian waters.
The systems were set up in locations where Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) currently holds monitoring stations. They are; Haa Alif Uligamu, Lhaviyani Maafilaafushi, Kaafu Vilimale’, Gnaviyani Fuahmulaku, Gaafu Alif Kaadedhdhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo and Seenu Gan. The systems were installed under free grant assistance from the government of the United States of America.
Speaking at a ceremony held in the Coast Guard Building to introduce the AIS, Minister of Defence Colonel (Rt) Mohamed Nazim said that they will now have the capability to effectively monitor the vessels that travel through Maldivian waters, and that they will be able to respond more efficiently to vessels in distress. He highlighted the importance of monitoring Maldivian waters, especially when a large area of the country consists of sea.
Nazim said that while one of the biggest threats we face today is piracy, they can now effectively monitor if a vessels suffers such an incident in these areas, and that if a vessel fears that that they might face such an incident, they can promptly share that information with MNDF as well. He said that they can now share information with the neighbouring countries in order to can make the Indian Ocean region safer.
Head of MNDF communications Lieutenant Tholhath Hassan also spoke at the ceremony. He said that the new AIS will allow them to monitor all crucial areas in the Maldives, and that if an AIS enabled vessel is to enter the Maldivian waters, they will be able to share its information with the headquarters in Male’, as well as other MNDF bases in the country.
He said that they are currently holding discussions with relevant authorities to try and install AIS on all vessels of a certain size in the Maldives. He also said that it has to be done within the expenses of the owners of the vessels.
The system is available in the market in two different classifications. The cost of a class A system sums up to approximately MVR 150,000 and has a range of 40 nautical miles. Price for class B systems is approximately MVR 25,000 and has a range of 15 nautical miles.