The figure shows an AIS unit on a physical AtoN transmitting and
receiving information to and from a vessel. The bubble gives an
indication of how the information received will be displayed on a
ship's ECDIS.
The development of AIS has allowed service providers, such as the GLAs, to use the AIS infrastructure for the provision of AtoNs.
By placing a suitable AIS transceiver on an aid-to-navigation, whether it's a buoy, major floating aid or lighthouse, the mariner can be positively informed of the current operation of that aid by the broadcast from the AtoN AIS unit in near real-time.
When a physical AtoN is present and fitted with an AtoN AIS unit. The AtoN AIS unit can broadcast information about the AtoN, including:
- Current position
- AtoN status
- Control information
- and in addition, if equipped with suitable sensors: Met/hydro information
