The Commissioners of Irish Lights hereby give notice that on the 30th October 2003, or as soon thereafter as circumstances permit an Experimental AIS Service will be established at Altacarry Head (Rathlin East) Lighthouse as follows:

 

Location	Altacarry Head (Rathlin East) Lighthouse
Position	55° 18.10' N 06° 10.30' W WGS 84
MMSI Number	002320707
Message Type	AIS short safety related message
Message Content	'Vessels are reminded of the requirements of the Traffic Separation scheme and areas to be avoided in the North Channel - Please reply to this Test Message.'

Mariners are advised that Addressed Messages will be sent from time to time to vessels approaching the area of the North Channel Traffic Separation Scheme.

User comment on the provision of this service is welcomed. Comments should be addressed to the Inspector of Lights & Marine Superintendent, Commissioners of Irish Lights, 16 Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin 2; or by email to aisforum@cil.ie. Alternatively, mariners may reply directly by AIS addressed message to the AIS shore station.

It would be appreciated if users could provide as much of the following detail as possible:

 

All radio navigation systems are susceptible to interference (including jamming) and environmental effects, which can adversely affect their availability. The Commissioners of Irish Lights strongly advise that no single aid to navigation system should be used in isolation and that AIS users should use all alternative means available to cross check the information received.