LED radio interference to maritime VHF radio and AIS

Description

USCG Marine Safety Alert 13-18 advised mariners of poor reception on VHF frequencies used for radiotelephone and automatic identification systems (AIS) when in the vicinity of light emitting diode (LED) lighting on-board ships (including navigation lights and deck lights). Consequentially, the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM), a 501(c)(3) international non-profit scientific, professional and educational organization established to address problems such as this, was asked to investigate this problem and develop a solution. Consequently, RTCM in cooperation with the Coast Guard researched numerous electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards and performed exhaustive EMC tests of various LED navigation and other above deck lighting.