Overview:
When a Palauan fisherman’s engine failed at sea, AIS technology helped turn a potential crisis into a successful rescue. The incident shows how the Palau–Taiwan Coastal Fisheries Project is improving maritime safety through smart, life-saving innovation.
On December 27, a maritime emergency involving a small fishing vessel north of Ulong Island highlighted the practical application of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) under the Strengthening Coastal Fisheries Management Project, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment (MAFE) and the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM).
During routine fishing operations, a local fisherman, Edward Tadao, experienced an engine failure that left his vessel unable to return to shore. The vessel had been equipped with an AIS device through the project’s small-scale fishing vessel installation program. In response to the situation, the fisherman activated the AIS emergency (SOS) function, transmitting an emergency signal to shore-based monitoring units.
The signal was successfully received by the Palau Marine Law Enforcement under the Ministry of Justice, as well as the project implementation team of MAFE and TTM. Using real-time AIS position data, the vessel’s location was promptly identified, allowing rescue personnel to be dispatched to the area. The rescue operation was completed without incident, and both the fisherman and the vessel were safely brought back. No injuries were reported.
This incident represents a concrete example of how AIS technology can be utilized during real-world maritime emergencies involving small fishing vessels. Beyond its role in vessel identification and fisheries oversight, the system’s emergency signaling and positioning functions provide an additional layer of safety for fishermen operating in coastal and offshore waters. The AIS installation initiative is one of the key components of the Strengthening Coastal Fisheries Management Project, which aims to enhance coastal fisheries management through improved data collection, technology adoption, and inter-agency cooperation. By integrating fisheries management objectives with maritime safety applications, the project continues to support sustainable resource use while improving safety at sea for Palau’s fishing communities.