Automatic Identification System for Navigation - Case Study Example

He should have sufficient training that supports him in making the interpretation of the various elements. So, the display settings of the ship and its better understanding could play a better role in the effective use of AIS (Sands, 2004). The mariner has to go through a lot of data and make interpretations of such data presented to him in the form of a certain display. It is, therefore, necessary to refine their ability of mariners to scan information sources and extract data. "The marine environment presents a challenge in that data displays are not at all standard in presentation or location.

Despite this difficulty, the mariner can, for a given configuration, develop effective techniques to extract needed data" (Bronaugh Jr).Familiarity with source: Mariners should be trained with respect to the data and various elements related to it but most importantly they should have knowledge of the sources of such data. If the mariner could understand the source from where the data stream is generating then he could identify problems and errors earlier. (Spalding et al., 2002)Training related to errors: Training should impart the need for caution and care among the learners.

Any training program related to AIS should cover all potential errors so that the learner should be cautious of errors in certain scenarios. Every operator should have the knowledge of where and when errors are likely to occur and what data is subject to misinterpretation. (IALA Guidelines, 136-140) The system provides crosschecks functions to avoid problems or pitfalls but the problem is that there is a need to be aware of such cross-checks. A good training program will make learners realize the importance of such cross-checks present within the system.

So it is necessary for operators to understand every aspect of the system so that they can make optimum use of it. This is the reason why most manufacturers provide training with respect to the features of the set. (US DOT, 1999)Importance of Practice: The training for AIS particularly requires that elements of practice are used during the training. The concepts of AIS require some repetition because only one-time exposure to such complex concepts cannot be considered sufficient for the training purposes.

The main aim of the training of AIS should be to make the learners as proficient as possible with the help of practice as well as repetition.The simulators cover the practice aspect of training in most programs. Simulators training mostly expose operators to reality-like scenarios that they could face in real situations. These simulations show all possible scenarios like differing environmental conditions, traffic density, and data entry correctness, etc. Under such circumstances, learning and training are done in a far better and effective way than a typical classroom environment.

Through classroom sessions are generally part of the training programs for AIS simulations provide the opportunity to work on actual equipment under certain simulated conditions. The mariner's ability to see the critical importance of understanding different scenarios and his ability to successfully or unsuccessfully deal with data, equipment and errors come to light more effectively in the case of simulations.