The MCA has been pressing for AIS since Lord Donaldson's report, 'Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas' was published in 1994 following the wreck of the tanker Braer on the Shetland Isles in 1993. That document called for the removal of shipping anonymity by the use of identification transponders.

'This is the first example of a Universal AIS meeting IMO performance standards that we have seen, said Kim Fisher, Head of Navigation Safety at the MCA.

'JRC is to be congratulated on producing such a fine device.'

Meanwhile, the MCA has awarded a five year, £8m mission critical communications contract to NTL Business. The MCA has some 150 remote radio sites throughout the country providing coverage of the UK's sea area and shoreline. The Agency's responsibilities include providing maritime distress and safety communications.

NTL Business will provide maintenance and management service support for the MCA network and support the high profile Channel Navigation Information Service based in Dover, which monitors all shipping traffic in the extremely busy Dover Straits. The existing system is due for replacement next year and NTL Business will provide on-site engineer support to ensure the smooth transition and running of the new facility.

MJ Information No: 16812