Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Risk-Based Planning of Hydrographic Surveys in Swedish Waters

SUMMARY The presentation aims to show and discuss applications of Automatic Identification System (AIS) as a tool for risk-based planning of Hydrographic surveys in the Swedish part of the Baltic Sea. Since AIS-transponders became mandatory on vessels, traffic regimes, particularly in coastal waters, have become much clearer, distinguishing voyages in space and time, speed, vessel size etc. This has enabled improved decision-making for Hydrographic survey, fairway planning and location of aids to navigation. The Baltic Sea is one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the World and the vessels become both faster and larger. The transportation of oil is increasing, implying higher risks. Besides, the area is a very fragile and vulnerable ecosystem and has been classified as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Therefore there is an obvious need for risk-based procedure in designing the long-term plan for Hydrographic surveys, taking into account both probability and consequences of groundings. The key questions are thus: Where to conduct Hydrographic surveys in order to reduce the grounding risk as much as possible? How to use Automatic Information System (AIS) in such a risk-based approach? What possible pitfalls are there by using AIS-information? AIS-data can and has already been used in order to consider the grounding risk as a basis for planning of Hydrographic surveying in Swedish waters. AIS has so far contributed much to the planning of surveying but further development is looked for.