Taiwan Bolsters Maritime Security: Mandatory AIS for All Vessels

New Regulations Aim to Enhance Coastal Monitoring and National Safety.

The government of Taiwan is proposing significant amendments to maritime regulations, mandating the installation of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) on all vessels operating near its shores. This initiative seeks to improve the tracking of ships, enhance national security, and combat illegal activities.

Currently, under existing regulations, smaller vessels not used for passenger transport are not required to have an AIS. However, the proposed amendments would extend this requirement to all ships, with exemptions only for those operating on lakes, rivers, and inland waterways.

This change is largely motivated by incidents highlighting vulnerabilities and the need for enhanced coastal surveillance. The proposed measures would help to proactively address potential security threats, including efforts to improve the government's capacity to combat smuggling and boost operational safety for port, harbor, and Coast Guard personnel.

Specifically, the regulations define small ships as motor-powered vessels under 20 tonnes or non-motor-powered vessels under 50 tonnes. Yachts, which currently have options for radar deflectors, would also be required to install an AIS under the proposed amendments.

The Maritime and Port Bureau estimates that approximately 13,690 ships will be affected by the new regulations, including the nation's 1,543 yachts and 13,146 small ships. The failure to comply with the new regulations could result in fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$30,000.

The estimated cost of a Class B AIS unit is approximately NT$20,000. To mitigate the financial burden on ship owners, the Maritime and Port Bureau is working with the Fisheries Agency to implement subsidy programs, which will cover the refitting of thousands of vessels.

The Bureau is planning to subsidize the refitting of 4,609 ships not used in the fishing industry, while the Ministry of Agriculture would subsidize 9,081 ships.