OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A SHIP TRANSPONDER SYSTEM

Collision prediction, whether manual or automated, is done by linear extrapolation of radar data. For non-linear cases, knowledge of the other vessel's planned change of course or speed is needed and this must be communicated by the maneuvering vessel to all other vessels. When the maneuver is made to avoid a collision, communication must be immediate, reliable, and relatable to the vessel's radar blip. This is best done with a transponder system. The transponder reply should contain the vessel's identity code a simple current maneuver status code such as "Turning Port", "Turning Starboard", "Maintaining Course and Speed", "Anchoring", etc. Insertion and removal of the maneuver code should preferably be automatic, such as by the Collision Avoidance System (CAS) or other instrumentation. For most effective utilization the interrogator should operate in a single mode having continuous, non-selective interrogations to assure timely identification of targets observed on the radar scope for positive correlation with transmissions heard on bridge-to-bridge radio and unimpeded flow of maneuver communication from them. An effective ship-to-ship transponder system would need national and international standardization of its signal format. This paper is offered with the hope that it will provide a basis for further discussion and eventual agreement on operational requirements and signal format.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the RTCM Assembly Meeting, St. Petersburg, Fla., April 1-3, 1974, with the Propeller Club of the United States. Vol. 1, Papers A-F, Maritime Electronics. Vol. 2, Papers G-N, Maritime Satellite Systems and Maritime Navigation. Vol. 3, Papers O-T, Maritime Telecommunication Trends. Vol. 4, Papers 0A-0I, Maritime Transponders and Collision Avoidance Systems. Sold as a complete 4 volume set for $15.00.
• Corporate Authors:

  Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services

  /Federal Communications Commission
  Washington, DC  United States  20554
• Authors:
  • Jellinek, E
• Publication Date: 1974-4

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 1-14
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services
  • Volume: 4
  • Publisher: Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash avoidance systems; Radar; Radar beacons; Radar beacons
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00057092
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services
• Report/Paper Numbers: Symposium Papers 0A
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 16 1974 12:00AM