What is the benefit of integrating AIS into ARPA after a transfer of control?

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Integrating AIS into ARPA after transfer of control enhances target identification and the reliability of tracking by adding cooperative vessel information to the radar picture. AIS provides identifying data (such as vessel identity, type, course, speed, and position) that ARPA can cross-check against radar tracks. This allows you to confirm which radar target matches which vessel, resolve identity ambiguity, and verify that the tracked speed and course are consistent with the AIS report. With this cross-check, tracks become more trustworthy and less likely to drift or be misidentified, especially in busy traffic or during handovers between units. AIS doesn’t replace radar; it augments it, so range is unchanged and radar remains necessary for situational awareness. It also doesn’t introduce more errors; when used together, the combination reduces errors by providing corroborating data.