In our last post, we analysed the various ways hostile actors manipulate and conceal AIS signals from their vessels in order to shield illicit activity from detection by third parties interfering with the signal, vessels deliberately transmitting false signals and vessels switching their AIS tracking off.

In this follow-up piece, we explain how it is possible to address this kind of manipulation of global positioning and the role that we at Sirius Insight are able to play to prevent vessels and their crews from being targeted in this way and, when they are, how best to respond to this kind of illegal activity.

How Sirius Insight Helps

Sirius Insight is proud that its expertise and understanding of AIS-spoofing is today delivering strong and sustainable solutions to overcome this threat to the safety of mariners.

We interrogate and utilise data from a wide array of sensors and inputs beyond simply monitoring AIS data; this is collated and analysed by our proprietary AI technology, to create a complete image of vessel activity at sea. This overcomes the reliance on AIS as the single data-driven means of detection and monitoring.

There are a number of techniques that we use to detect the manipulation of AIS tracking:

• First, our AI technology produces smart analysis of AIS signals, using many years of vessel history, such as proximity to sanctioned ports and known illegal vessels, to identify unusual patterns of activity.

• Secondly, our autonomous network of remote optical and thermal cameras, radar and communication systems analysis, in a mesh of locations at sea, ashore, in air and space, enable continuous and detailed active maritime surveillance, monitoring vessels to verify their position without reliance on the single data source provided through AIS signals.

• Thirdly, we are able to use satellite imagery – both Electro, Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar - to correlate AIS reports, and identify vessels not transmitting their position.

• Fourthly, we are able to conduct satellite and terrestrial electromagnetic spectrum analysis to geolocate radio transmissions at sea.

• Fifthly, we source vessel position reporting from other sources. For example, vessels have to report to their country of registration every 4 hours.

• Finally, we make use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, which calculate position, velocity and time by receiving signals from multiple satellite systems, to reduce reliance on GPS which relies on receiving signal from only a single satellite system.

Through utilising other data inputs, which are then collated, analysed, and shared as actionable smart data with maritime authorities by our AI software, we are able to ensure that actors seeking to avoid sanctions or other duties of compliance are thwarted in their endeavours to evade detection.

Since time immemorial, there have always been hostile actors keen to evade detection and monitoring by competent public authorities in order to create space in which to conduct their unlawful activities, free from prying eyes. Probably, there always will be. But we at Sirius Insight are nonetheless proud to be able to create and deliver robust and leading edge solutions that negate the need to rely on AIS as the single data-driven means of detection and monitoring and make the safety of those at sea a more certain, secure and sustainable proposition.