Myanmar is planning to install Automatic Identification System (AIS) in its coastal vessels and fishing vessels by the end of 2021 to ensure the safety of its vessels, according to the Department of Marine Administration (DMA).

“The AIS is an automatic tracking system. AIS stations will also be set up at ports. Coastal ships and fishing vessels will be equipped with AIS soon. We are planning to set up AIS stations in jetties,” said Ko Ko Naing, the Director of the DMA.

All inland water transport ferries and coastal ships will be installed the AIS by 2021. At present, there are about 600 cargo and passenger ships and 4,000 fishing vessels. The total number of vessels is around 10,000 including small vessels.

The DMA is discussing with the Myanma Port Authority to set up AIS stations at 19 jetties. The range of the AIS would stretch from 30 to 50 miles. The stations can control the AIS and exchange navigational information.

It is an automated tracking system that displays other vessels in the vicinity. The AIS would also help track illegal activities of ships. It will set up an information sharing network to share information to respective departments. Although Myanmar is planning to set up the AIS, it was used in its neighbouring countries since 2004.