In recent years the marine transportation system has come under increasing attention. Among the concerns are its safety and efficiency, prevention of and response to ship-caused pollution, and the use of vessels for inimical purposes, ranging from simple lawbreaking (such as smuggling) to serving as a vehicle or target for terrorist acts. Over the past two decades, automatic identification systems (AIS) have been developed in response to these concerns, and much work has been done to define AIS technical and communication requirements. These efforts have resulted in worldwide mandatory carriage requirements for AIS aboard vessels that must comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
