AIS and the Vendée Globe: Boris Hermann Collides with a Fishing Vessel
- BoatOn
- Feb 11, 2021
- 2 min read
AIS is a very useful tool for navigating at sea. Today we explain what it is and what it does. Boris Hermann, skipper aboard Sea Explorer - Yacht Club de Monaco during the 2020 Vendée Globe, collided with a fishing vessel just a few miles from the finish line — something that should never happen thanks to AIS. Read on to find out the full story.
What is AIS?
AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. This system is used to position boats on a chart. It allows you to identify each vessel's identity, its course, its speed — this information is received by all AIS receivers in the surrounding area. This identification system is connected to on-board electronics such as the VHF.
In the Vendée Globe race, AIS allows skippers to identify vessels in their vicinity to avoid any collision. They are also visible to other boats. For a boat to appear on AIS, the system must be activated. Some AIS units have an alarm that warns sailors in the event of a probable collision.
Pleasure craft are not required to transmit an AIS signal. Only commercial vessels over 300 gross tonnes are obliged to do so. However, fishermen sometimes switch off their AIS so that others cannot track them when heading to their favourite fishing grounds.
It is therefore important to understand that using AIS must not replace visual watch-keeping. The system provides a degree of safety but does not replace watch-keeping since some boats do not transmit a signal.
Vendée Globe — On-Board Electronics
With each new edition of the Vendée Globe, the boats are equipped with ever more electronics.
The cost of electronics keeps rising too. Nearly €400,000 worth of electronics is fitted on the IMOCAs, whose value approaches €5 million.
Most IMOCAs are fitted with a navigation assistance system, an autopilot, communication systems, various connectivity devices, local network and internet equipment, an anti-collision system, and much more.
Boris Hermann's Collision with a Fishing Boat
After 80 days at sea, 90 miles from the finish line, Boris Hermann, skipper of Sea Explorer - Yacht Club de Monaco, collided with a fishing boat. This collision cost him 3rd place at the Vendée Globe finish — he ultimately finished 5th as a result.
But how could this accident happen with AIS on board? The German skipper explained that he was asleep when it happened. AIS truly does not replace visual watch-keeping. Because yes, the fishing boat's AIS was indeed activated.
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