Reliance Ahead of Understanding: Practitioner Assessment of AIS Effectiveness in Vessel Traffic Service Operations at Merak, Sunda Strait
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/ijsmr.v4i9.154Keywords:
Automatic Identification System, Vessel Traffic Service, Collision prevention, Sunda Strait, Maritime situational awarenessAbstract
This study examines practitioner assessment of AIS in supporting Vessel Traffic Service operations and collision prevention at Merak, on the Sunda Strait. A descriptive quantitative survey using a five-point Likert instrument was administered to 60 respondents comprising VTS Merak operators, ship crew, and navigation officers, supplemented by limited observation and interview. Four aspects were assessed. Effectiveness for safety attained the highest mean at 4.32, followed by the perceived need for further development at 4.28, implementation within VTS operations at 4.18, and understanding of AIS functions at 4.06. The profile discloses a pattern the study terms reliance ahead of understanding: the aspect concerning operational benefit scored highest while the aspect concerning knowledge of the system scored lowest, a gap of 0.26 scale points. Respondents simultaneously endorsed AIS and identified persistent constraints, principally signal interference and demand for technical training, alongside support for Satellite AIS integration.
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