The Maritime Safety & Security Information System is a freely-shared, unclassified, near real-timedata collection and distribution network. Its member countries share data from Automatic Identification System, coastal radar, and other maritime-related systems. MSSIS combines the data from participating nations into a single data stream through secure Internet-based servers. Through MSSIS, participating governments can view real-time AIS data from around the world in a wide range of geographic display options, including text, photo overlays, electronic charts, and Google Earth. Displays can also integrate additional features such as user-provided radar overlays.
The global sharing of AIS data among governments through a common, open exchange provides a solid foundation for and a path to greater international trust, cooperation and open dialog and thus, improved stability, security, trade, and environmental stewardship. MSSIS provides participating nations unprecedented access to global shipping information. Specific benefits of sharing AIS data via MSSIS include:
Feeding data to existing in-country maritime awareness systems & initiatives
Allowing the development of vessel safety statistics & analysis of vessel transits
Serving as the underlying feed for layering complementary data
MSSIS already serves as the data feed for many sophisticated applications benefiting seafarers and citizens of nations around the world.
MSSIS capabilities
The Volpe Center provides Transview, a Microsoft Windows-based application, to access the MSSIS network. Transview provides a means to view MSSIS data and can also serve as interface between the MSSIS network and other Maritime Domain Awareness systems a government might already be operating. Additional capabilities of TV32 include:
Because participants view the protection of vessel data from unauthorized use as crucial, MSSIS enables password-protected, Internet-based sharing of AIS data using encrypted data links.
No processing, alteration, or storing occurs
Data is open source and freely shared among participating governments
Can be used by any system that uses standard format AIS data
Recognition and awards
MSSIS is a winner of the 2008 from the at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for its efforts in enhancing levels of safety and economic stability in the global seas.
How Nations Become Participants
By contributing AIS data into MSSIS, a country becomes eligible to receive the AIS data from all nations participating in MSSIS. Technical assistance is available to any country with a willingness to participate. Transview, the MSSIS client software, is provided free-of-charge by the Volpe Center. Nations interested in learning more about MSSIS contact the interim MSSIS administrator, the U.S. Office of Global Maritime Situational Awareness, to arrange a visit by a technical assessment team. This team can demonstrate the benefits of MSSIS and discuss participation requirements.
