Trade-A-Boat – August 2019

REGULARS | PRODUCTS & GEAR

TRADEBOATS.COM.AU | 25

SIMRAD

BRING AIS TO

THE PEOPLE

Simrad ’s new RS40-B AIS-equipped VHF radio is the neatest little bit

of kit we’ve come accross in some time

T

he latest bit of kit from Simrad

Yachting has popped up on the

Trade-a-Boat radar and it’s certainly

caught out attention.

Simrad’s new RS40-B is the first VHF

radio that can also send and receive Automatic

Identification System (AIS) transmissions, thanks

to built in GPS and Class B AIS transceiver.

AIS sends out information relating to

identification, position, course and speed to

similarly equipped vessels, where it will be

displayed in on a dedicated screen, or can be

overlaid onto compatible chart and radar devices.

The growing use of AIS has made the water

a safer place. Not only does it play a key role

in collision avoidance, it also helps rescue

organisations to locate stricken craft.

This technology was more-or-less exclusive

to large commercial operations until the

introduction of Class B specifications in 2006,

which aimed to make it more accessible to light

commercial and recreational vessels. Since that

time the cost and complexity associated with AIS

has been reduced and it’s become more and more

accessible through integration into multifunction

screens however not marine radios.

The primary difference between the RS40-B

and their previous RS40 device, and other similar

consumer products in the market, is the ability to

transmit, as well as receive. It’s never been easier

for the average boatie to see and be seen.

AIS technology will, without a doubt, only

become more accessible as the years pass by and

Simrad’s latest release marks a watershed moment

in this development. Ultimately, the increased

availability of AIS will lead to safer boating and

that’s something that we can get behind.

The RS40-B is available now through Simrad

retailers with an RRP of $1335.

TOP The simple, no-fuss design makes operation easy and intuative