PIANC
The World Association for
Brussels, 31 May 2018.
Waterborne Transport Infrastructure
To the First Delegates of the
Qualifying Members of PIANC
To the National Sections’
Secretaries of PIANC
To the Platinum Partners of PIANC
To The Sister Associations of PIANC
Subject: Setting up of a new PIANC Working Group 209 on “Recommendations for use of AIS data for
recreational navigation infrastructure”.
Dear Madam,
Dear Sir,
The setting up of PIANC RecCom Working Group 209 on “Recommendations for use of AIS data for
recreational navigation infrastructure” has duly been approved as well as its terms of reference, which
are herewith enclosed.
We kindly ask you to inform the secretariat of RecCom by 31 July 2018 (copy to the General Secretariat)
about the name, qualification and (e-mail-) address of the expert, proposed by your country/organisation.
Please enclose a brief curriculum vitae of the proposed expert together with some details about her/his
professional experiences.
A second expert per country/organisation, being a young professional, can participate in the Working Group
activities. Further I would like to remind you that Working Group Members should either be Individual Member
of PIANC, working for a Corporate Member or Platinum Partner, be an invited expert or a be a member of a
Sister Organisation.
We remind you that in accordance with PIANC rules, the costs incurred in taking part in Working Group
activities are borne by the member countries/organizations.
We thank you beforehand for your collaboration.
Yours sincerely,
Geert Van Cappellen,
Secretary-General.
Reply to:
Mr Simone Lanzone
[email protected]
Recreational
PIANC
The World Association for
Navigation
Commission
Waterborne Navigation Infrastructure RecCom
EnviCom WG 209
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE OF AIS DATA FOR
RECREATIONAL NAVIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. Historical background - Definition of the problem
AIS data has been used increasingly in commercial waterborne transportation. Data
collection protocols have been established, and a variety of private and public-sector
groups have developed tools to use this data for multiple purposes within transportation
systems and waterway management. However, very little has been done as it relates to
recreational navigation infrastructure.
AIS transceivers are mandatory for most seagoing ships, but not for most recreational
vessels. As costs of AIS decrease (particularly AIS Class B) the percentage of voluntary
users has increased. The value of collecting and analyzing AIS data for recreational
vessels may need to be evaluated.
From the point of view of RecCom, we envision that AIS data may be used on multiple
ways to improve Recreational Navigation Infrastructure (RNI). For example, aggregate
historical information on transits and routes (traffic density maps) and other types of
information that can be generated by analysing AIS data can be very valuable, both for
marina planning and operational businesses.
Recommendations for beneficial uses of AIS for the recreational navigation infrastructure,
should recognize that navigation safety and security is the purpose and priority use of the
system and its sustainment. Additional navigation safety and security considerations
specific to the recreational navigation industry may be explored (especially in the
context of data collection, monitoring, protocols, and regulations), to the extent that
they contribute to the main objective..
For example, the abundance of signals from recreational vessels may have the potential
to generate conflicts with existing uses of data for waterborne transportation. Therefore,
conflicts with existing uses of AIS data should be avoided, and synergies should be sought
to improve navigation safety.
Alternative uses of AIS can also be explored, to the extent that they contribute to the
primary goal. For example, the development of of web and/or mobile apps that allow
pleasure craft owners, amongst others, access AIS data at very low costs, provide
additional services, and avoid impacting AIS data links.
2. Objectives
The goal of this RecCom WG is to understand needs and opportunities relative to AIS
data for RNI planning.
The main specific objectives are to:
1. Identify potential uses of AIS data for recreational navigation infrastructure
development, maintenance, refurbishing and adaptation.
Version May 31, 2018
2. Create guidelines and recommendations on AIS data collection, analysis and use
for planning, which are specific to recreational navigation infrastructure needs and
do not conflict with other uses for waterborne transportation.
3. Evaluate potential recommendations regarding AIS requirements for recreational
vessels, in coordination with waterborne transportation safety and ecosystem
sustainability needs, as it relates to improving the usability of data for planning and
design.
The main objective of the WG are focused on the static use of data records (historical
information). Additional discussions on operational uses may be considered, to the extent
that they contribute to the main objective.
3. Earlier reports to be reviewed
Over the last several years, the field for AIS data has grown exponentially for other uses,
mainly waterborne transporation. The literature on the subject encompasses both basic
technology, system management, and AIS data applications for a variety of uses. Data
is also available through commercial suppliers, which can benefit from the
recommendations in this report (for example, regarding data processing and
presentation).
No previous PIANC Working Group reports specific to the use of AIS data have been
published yet. However, the e-navigation for inland waterways report by PIANC (WG 156)
and numerous AIS papers presented in SMART Rivers and other PIANC events over the
last decade have addressed AIS use, and may include relevant information.
4. Scope
The scope of the WG include documenting the different ways AIS data is collected and
analysed, its regulatory framework, and broader future use. The WG will assess different
sources for AIS data (including public and private, land-based and satellite), collection,
displays and analysis of AIS data under use. Availability of AIS data on recreational vessels
will also be documented.
Other non-AIS systems, including Vessel Monitoring Systems and Vessel Tracking Services,
as well as applications based on use of mobile apps, may be considered to provide
context to the main topic.
The WG will also generate and gather observations from practitioners (including but not
limited to RecCom and ICOMIA-MG) regarding potential uses of AIS data and assess if
existing protocols are sufficient to develop tools to achieve those goals.
The WG will evaluate the present status and potential recommendations for changes to
requirements or recommendations for use of AIS by recreational vessels.
The WG will propose general guidelines to bridge the gap between the existing state of
practice and potential future uses for the recretional navigation industry, especially
focused on sustainable recreational navigation infrastructure.
5. Intended product
The WG shall provide a report that provides insights into current and future uses of AIS
data from recreational vessels, and, the quality and availibitly of data sets that can be
best used for recreational navigation infrastructure planning.
Some possible uses of the findings of this WG for recreational navigation infrastructure
may include:
2
• RNI and destination planning, feasibility studies, and design: data could help assess
(quantitatively or qualitatively) demand trends, usage patterns, and traffic changes
over time.
• Maintanenance and refurbishment planning of infrastructure systems: coastal or
waterway managers may use traffic data as a tool to evalaute (quantitatively or
qualitatively) demand and usage of facilities in a system.
• Environmental management of ecologically sensitive resources: monitoring or
documentation of navigation patters of recreational navigation in sensitive
ecological areas, protected areas with specific recreational uses, or slow speed
zones. The possibilty of effectively monitoring usage inexpensively may allows for
certain recreational activities to develop, which could otherwise be considered an
environmental risk.
• Information for boaters: It would be helpful to the charting community and the
recreational community to see usage trends of marina facilities, simple charting and
tracking, boat ramps, navigation access channels, and destinations. (this is not the
primary purpose of this WG).
6. Working Group Membership
RecCom has invited researchers in the field as sponsors, to benefit from available know-
how on AIS to address the future use of AIS data for recreational navigation and
infrastructure development. Commercial providers of data management and analysis
services should also be consulted for their input.
• AIS monitoring and data management experts
• Navigation managers and planners
• Marina developers, managers, designers and consultants
• Tourism and marine protected areas managers (including managers of MPA where
recreational use is important)
7. Working Group Target Audience
• Commercial providers AIS data products
• Coastal and Watershed navigation managers, Waterway Managers,
• and planners
• Marina planners, designers, owners, developers, managers and consultants
• Tourism and marine protected areas managers (including managers of MPA where
recreational use is important)
• Coastal planners, economic development agencies,
8. Relevance to countries in transition
This topic can be used by countries in transition to leapfrog RNI development constraints.
The results may be used to promote market potential awareness and sustainable use of
marine resources for recreation.
9. Climate Change
Data analyses based on the expected guidelines may be used to monitor navigation
usage changes due to extreme events (such as evaluation of impacts of extreme
hurricanes or floods) or long-term climate change patterns, which can be used to
evaluate resilience and plan for climate adaptation.
3
10. References
Robards, MD; G.K. Silber, J.D. Adams, J. Arroyo, D. Lorenzini, K. Schwehr, J. Amos (2016)
“Conservation science and policy applications of the marine vessel Automatic
Identification System (AIS)—a review” Bulletin of Marine Science, Volume 92, Number 1,
January 2016, pp. 75-103(29). DOI: https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2015.1034
Biondi, E. Ungo, R., Delgado, R., Semmes, R. “The Relevance of the Panama Canal in
the Recreational Navigation Business”. PIANC World Congress, Panama 2018.
4
PIANC
The World Association for
Brussels, 6 March 2019.
Waterborne Transport Infrastructure
To the First Delegates of the
Qualifying Members of PIANC
To the National Sections’
Secretaries of PIANC
To the Platinum Partners of PIANC
To the Sister Associations of PIANC
Dear all,
In accordance to our strategic plan and working towards my pledge to help you make PIANC RecCom
be more useful and relevant in your country, I am writing to encourage you to name a representative
to WG 209 on the use of AIS data for the recreational navigation studies.
The topic on AIS data was first brought up a few years ago, in response to new tools that make
transponder data more accessible and the growing use of transponder by recreational boaters (which
are NOT required legally to carry a transponder for the most part). Since then, the uses have expanded,
and the interest on this topic is growing exponentially. This is an ideal time to address this topic, as there
are still no guidelines and some challenges.
Some of the early work exploring the use of AIS transponder data included the assessment of superyacht
navigation patterns, such as the shift of superyacht Caribbean visitation due to hurricane Maria. In last
year’s PIANC Congress, a paper included research comparing AIS data with official records of crossings
through the Panama Canal. This paper documented that 80% of yachts over 30m had active
transponders while crossing the Panama Canal, even if there is no formal requirement to do so.
A comprehensive study on large yacht traffic patterns in the Mediterranean was also completed
recently by European Committee for Professional Yachting. The study used 21 million AIS positions of
yachts over 20m in the Mediterranean over 3 years (2015-2017). Results identified the frequentation of
marinas, shipyards and anchorages and showed that hundreds of thousands of hours per year were
spent in each destination, identifying popular areas and documenting evolving visitation trends.
Another new trend relative to the use of AIS data is the recently announced 6-month cruising permit for
foreign-flagged vessels in the UAE. This new rule is more flexible, but requires AIS transponder to be
operational at all times.
At this time, RecCom has only received applications for members from some European countries and
North America. While we could set up this Working Group with a small number of members and invited
experts, I know that this topic is important in many countries and I hope we can get more representation.
Please note that:
• We are not only seeking experts, but also need the contribution of members that can identify
challenges and needs. Your representation and participation with regionally relevant
questions dealing with existing or potential uses of AIS transponder data is extremely valuable
to achieve our goals.
• Please also nominate alternate and YP members. They play an important role in creating a
productive dynamic in a Working Group.
• RecCom is especially committed to facilitating "remote participation" in our Working Groups.
While recognizing the value of personal meetings, this must not be a barrier. We do not want
any potential candidate to be discouraged by the potential costs of participation.
Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
We want to continue the PIANC’s tradition of providing both technical reference documents for
planning and design as well as being a reputable source of early guidance on new industry trends.
I look forward to continuing working with you and your representatives on this and other RecCom
initiatives.
Kindest regards,
Esteban L. Biondi
Chairman
Recreational Navigation Commission
PIANC
2047 Vista Parkway, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, Florida 33411, USA
Of: +1 (561) 659-0041 Ext. 1502
Dir: +1 (561) 472-2145
Mob: +1 (561) 603-2712
Skype: esteban_biondi
[email protected]
www.reccom.pianc.org
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments, unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Saatja: Kaidi Katus <
[email protected]>
Saadetud: 06.03.2019 15:13
Adressaat: Signe Paevere <
[email protected]>
Teema: Ed: relaunch PIANC RecCom WG 209 on "Recommendations for use of AIS data for
recreational navigation infrastructure”.
Tähtsus: Kõrgeim
Manused: image001.jpg; LETTER 209 - relaunch March 2019 final.pdf; Tor RecCom 209
final.pdf
Saatja: Sabine Vandevelde [mailto:
[email protected]]
Saatmisaeg: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 11:00 AM
Adressaat: Sabine Vandevelde <
[email protected]>
Teema: relaunch PIANC RecCom WG 209 on "Recommendations for use of AIS data for recreational
navigation infrastructure”.
Tähtsus: Kõrge
Dear All,
RecCom has asked to relaunch the ToR’s of WG 209.
Mr Biondi, Chairman of RecCom has added a letter, providing additional information.
In case you have additional questions,
Please address yourself to him (data in the attached letter)
Kind regards,
Sabine Van de Velde
PIANC General Secretariat
Koning Albert II laan 20 – bus 3
1000 Brussels – Belgium
Tel: +32 2 553.71.61
Email:
[email protected]