The Danish Maritime Authority owns the Danish shore-based AIS system that collects and transmits data. Part of the operation and maintenance of the system is carried out by an external supplier, while the Agency for Governmental IT Services (Statens IT) is responsible for storing data.
Storing data
The Danish Maritime Authority stores Danish AIS data in accordance with the following guidelines:
- AIS data are stored in the real-time AIS system for up to 24 months.
- Data older than 24 months are packed and stored on an external disk and made available as open data for a limited period of time.
External users' access to AIS data
The Danish Maritime Authority grants access to AIS data on the basis of act no. 596 of 24 June 2005 on the further use of public sector information (the PSI act).
Applications for access to AIS data are made via the order form available from the webpage of the Danish Maritime Authority.
Requiring payment
According to remarks on the annual budget, the Danish Maritime Authority is authorised to require payment for "aids to navigation in Danish waters and the sale of AIS data" as commercial services rendered by public institutions. The prices are established on the basis of the provisions of the budgetary guidelines stipulating that the costs incurred in this connection must be fully covered so that balance is aimed for over a four-year period.
The various types of access are described in more detail below. Web access and an online data flow are paid for by means of an annual subscriber fee, while virtual AIS aids to navigation is paid for in accordance with the actual hourly consumption. Current prices are available from the webpage of the Danish Maritime Authority.
Web access to online AIS data
Web access makes it possible to log in by means of a personal login. On the webpage, it is possible to follow how ships fitted with AIS are navigating in approximate real-time within the Danish area of coverage.
All user accesses are personal or organisation-based. Where an organisation-based user access has been granted, it can still be used only in one place at a time (one browser). If more persons need to use the system simultaneously, it requires more accesses.
Online AIS data flow (proxy access)
This solution consists of an AIS data flow of raw AIS data. Access is provided via a subscriber proxy application to be installed on the customer's computer. The customer himself must acquire the necessary presentation program for displaying and processing data.
Limit of liability
The Danish Maritime Authority does not guarantee the correctness of the AIS data transmitted and is not liable for any damages that may arise as a consequence of the use of AIS data, irrespective of how they have been caused. The Danish Maritime Authority is not liable in case of delay, interruption or loss of data due to failure of the transmission and communication facilities used or for other reasons beyond the control of the Danish Maritime Authority.
In order to be granted a user access for receiving AIS data from the shore-based AIS system of the Danish Maritime Authority, you must observe the following conditions:
- The data recipient is responsible for handing the data received appropriately and in accordance with the law.
- Data must not be combined with other data in a manner that will create data from which persons are identifiable, without a permit to do so from the Danish Data Protection Agency. In this connection, the data recipient should be considered the data responsible person in the sense of the act on personal data.
- In case the conditions above are violated, the Danish Maritime Authority is entitled to disrupt the receipt of AIS data immediately and without notice. Disrupted data access can be temporary or permanent.
The Danish Maritime Authority can, at any time and without notice, change the nature of the data flow received, for example by changing the updating frequency, the area of coverage, safety updates, force majeure situations, etc.