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Can the ship owner assign user rights to allow usage of ship data to third parties (loader, ports etc.)?

Only the ship owner can decide who has access to his ship data. via donau will then authorize the third party for viewing this specific data. In case the ship owner wants to cancel the existing user rights via donau will close the existing access.

Category: Usage of DoRIS data, Equipment programme

Is the usage of the DoRIS system and the query of ship data for free?

The usage of the web interface will be enabled against a little fee based on the administration effort. Furthermore the fee is also dependent on the amount of viewed ships and the monthly requested queries.

Category: Usage of DoRIS data, Equipment programme

What kind of data is transmitted via the AIS radio communication?

Via the AIS radio communication two different types of data can be distinguished:

Static data:
This information is not generated automatically by the AIS transponder and has therefore to be entered and actualised manually. After entering the data via keyboard of the transponder the data is sent and actualised via AIS every six minutes. The data contains information on the type of ship, the ships name, ship dimensions, maximal draught, estimated time of arrival, port of destination and information on dangerous goods cargo.

Dynamic data:
This kind of information is generated and sent automatically every 2 seconds via the transponder within the AIS radio communication. These data are especially relevant for security reasons, containing information on the ship identification (MMSI number), position, speed, status of navigation and the heading of the ship.

Category: Usage of DoRIS data, Equipment programme

How can interested parties get access to DoRIS data?

Basically the data can be viewed either on the electronic navigational chart- ECDIS viewer or it can be prompted over the web interface. The visualisation of the DoRIS data on the ECDIS viewer can take place either on board of the ship or at shore based workstations. This data representation is especially defined for skippers and matches their specific information needs. Another quick possibility to view DoRIS data offers the query via the web interface. This interface can be accessed on any personal computer that is linked to the internet. via donau will set up an access that defines specific user rights. The user has only access to the ship data that he is authorised for. The data query of competing companies is thereby made impossible. Also the logistics interface allows the user to obtain data via a machine processing query that enables an implementation of the DoRIS data in existing company tools and systems.

Category: Usage of DoRIS data, Equipment programme

Which conditions have to be fulfilled in order to install the transponder on board?

An AIS transponder consists of a CPU unit (main processor - similar to a black box), a VHF-module (Very High Frequency - Radio), a GPS (global positioning system) position unit and an integrated or external console (depends on the manufacturer) for the input of static data. The AIS transponder needs a power supply of 24V DC and is directly connected to the electricity network on board. Furthermore a VHF antenna and a GPS antenna have to be connected to the transponder. Both antennas are installed on deck, and have to be decoupled to each other and to other existing technical equipment. In case of an existing computer and the proper ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) Viewer Software (software to visualise the electronic navigation charts) on board the transponder can be connected to it. On this ECDIS viewer the tactical traffic image can be displayed. According to the transponder some additional equipment for the viewer connection might be necessary (e.g. an interface converter from RS422 to RS232 and a serial cable).

Category: Inland ECDIS charts, Equipment programme

What is the use of ECDIS viewer software?

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) viewer software displays the electronic navigational charts which are provided for free in some countries like Austria. The system offers two different display modes:

Information Mode: The inland ECDIS charts can be used like electronic maps and as a help for orientation, but not for the navigation of the ship.

Navigation Mode: Inland - ECDIS offers the possibility of a connection to the radar equipment. The radar screen can be overlaid on the ECDIS layer and is adjusted by automatic calculations.

Category: Inland ECDIS charts, Equipment programme

Does the AIS transponder also function in other Danube countries?

The supplied transponders operate according to the AIS standard and have the additional functionality for Inland AIS. Interoperability with other AIS transponders outside of DoRIS is ensured because of the international standards. Dependent on development and construction of the RIS- infrastructure in other Danube countries, it will be possible to send and receive data with the same transponder on the whole Danube up to Romania and the Ukraine probably by 2006/2007.

Category: Transponder, Equipment programme

Does data transfer via AIS raise any costs?

The data transfer within AIS (Automatic Identification System) is done via VHF radio communication and elevates no costs. The frequencies that are released for AIS radio communication (161,975 MHz and 162,025 MHz) can be used for free. The data exchange between equipped ships and to base stations is done via AIS and therefore no operation costs arise.

Category: Transponder, Equipment programme

Which conditions are necessary in order to use the transponder?

Each transponder needs a radio communication permission of the country where the ship is registered. The radio communication permission is necessary, because the transponder represents an extension of the ship radio communication system. The MMSI number (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) for the installed transponder has therefore to be requested at the national communication authority. Each country has its own procedures and thus different application forms and waiting times. The MMSI number has to be requested and approved before the transponder installation on board because only transponders with official MMSI numbers can be taken into operation.

Category: Transponder, Equipment programme

Which technical requirements have to be fulfilled for the installation of the transponder on board?

A transponder consists essentially of a CPU unit (main processor similarly a black box), the VHF module (AIS radio), a GPS positioning unit and manufacturer-dependently an integrated or external keyboard for the input of the static information. The AIS transponder needs for voltage supply 24V DC and is attached directly to the on-board powersupply. For the operation of the marine equipment VHF and GPS antennas must be attached to the transponder. Both antennas are then installed in the external area of the ship, and must be by each other sufficiently decoupled in relation to other technical mechanisms on board. If a standard PC's on board it can be connected with the transponder, and thus on a digital navigation map (inland ECDIS map) the tactical traffic picture can be visualized. Depending on the type of transponder for the connection with a ECDIS Viewer still additional equipment (e.g. interface transducer of RS422 to RS232 and a serial cable) is needed.

Category: Transponder, Equipment programme