Successful implementation of River Information Services (RIS) by the Scheldt Radar Network

The Scheldt Radar Network (SRN) is starting to implement River Information Services (RIS).

The first project of this RIS implementation program is delivered and installed by Tein Telecom. It is the first use of this new European recommendation in the Scheldt River region (Belgium / the Netherlands).
In order to implement River Information Services (RIS) on inland waterways, compliant with the EC RIS directive (2005/44/EC) and specifications for Tracking and Tracing (regulation 415/2007), the Management Team of SRN did recently upgrade their existing AIS system (Automatic Identification System).
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a short range coastal tracking system used on ships and by Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) for identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data with other nearby ships and VTS stations. Information such as unique identification, position, course, and speed can be displayed on a radar screen. AIS is intended to assist the VTS operators to track and monitor vessel movements.

AIS technology is considered as a suitable option for automated identification and tracking and tracing of the barges on waterways. In particular, the real-time operation of the AIS and the availability of global standards and guidelines are very good for security-oriented applications.
To meet the specific needs of the waterways, the AIS has to be further developped to the so-called "Inland AIS Standard" to support RIS (River Information Services), with full compatibility with the maritime AIS of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) while maintaining existing inland standards. Due to his compatibility with the maritime AIS standard from the International Maritime Organization, the inland AIS may exchange data directly between seagoing ships and inland vessels in areas with mixed traffic, such as the Scheldt River.
The whole RIS program in the Scheldt Radar Network will be finalised in 2011. Adaption of the AIS subsystem is the first RIS project successfully implemented.

 More info on Scheldt Radar Network in the pdf file hereafter...