Will the Minister provide details on the operation of maritime enforcement patrols; what are the rules for the operation of automatic identification system (AIS) maritime patrols and what guidance have the patrols had on turning off AIS to allow for them to approach illegal fishing vessels undetected?
The internationally-adopted shipborne carriage requirements for AIS are contained in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulation V/19. The SOLAS Convention requires AIS to be fitted on certain ships through a phased implementation period spanning from 1 July 2002 to 1 July 2008. In addition, specific ship types (e.g. warships, naval auxiliaries and ships owned/operated by Governments) are not required to be fitted with AIS.
On routine patrols, Welsh Government Fishery Patrol Vessels do not transmit their position.
However, the vessels have been fitted with AIS devices and the Commanding Officers have been advised to always transmit AIS in reduced visibility, high density traffic areas, Traffic Separations Schemes and when involved in a Search and Rescue operation.