Low-cost AIS Device for Small Boats

Pharad proposes the design of a low cost Class B Basic AIS device that will be compliant with IEC 62287 testing requirements. Such a low cost AIS device is key to the wide scale deployment of AIS in vessels operating in US waters. Our innovative approach to achieving a commercially ready, low cost device employs components and manufacturing processes found in consumer electronics sold in national electronics retailers. This allows us to reap the benefits of lower costs due to high volumes, and provides us a selection of available components and material with known reliability characteristics. Our proposed AIS device exhibits all the salient attributes of marine electronics, able to withstand the environmental conditions present on small commercial and recreational vessels. We will investigate decision synthesis methods, displays, and presentation methods to deliver warnings and hazard avoidance recommendations to assist the user in making intelligent navigational decisions. Another feature of our AIS device is the relative ease with which it can be upgraded with the latest navigational hazard avoidance algorithms via firmware. Since our AIS device is based upon commercial off-the-shelf technology, we will be able to quickly transition a quality product from development to manufacturing to distribution.