News / Vessels 'go dark' to avoid Houthi attacks, but may still be vulnerable

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Vessels are now resorting to switching off their AIS transponders to conceal their movements and prevent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea – but it could also impact container monitoring.

Playing a critically important role in collision-avoidance, particularly at night or in fog, vessels use other ships’ AIS data as a second line of defence after radar.

Although AIS is legally mandated by the IMO under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the organisation does make exceptions ...