The ALRS is an essential reference for mariners who need to manage communications and comply with reporting regulations throughout a voyage. The ALRS also helps bridge crews to receive and provide weather reports and safety information, seek telemedical assistance services, and follow procedures in the event of distress or search and rescue incidents.
The ALRS is available in both paper and digital formats. The paper format is updated annually, while the digital format is updated weekly by internet or disc. The digital format offers greater efficiency, faster updating and more flexible information access than the paper format. The digital format is also widely accepted as meeting SOLAS carriage requirements and is approved for use by the flag states of over 80% of ships trading internationally.
How to download the ALRS in digital format
The ALRS in digital format is sold as three separate applications within the Admiralty Digital Radio Signals (ADRS) range. Each ADRS application contains all the detail of its paper equivalents, with the added convenience of fast, accurate weekly updates and simple searching of information. The ADRS applications are:
ADRS 1, 3, 4, 5 - Information to assist bridge crews in routine radio communications, receiving and providing weather reports and safety information, pollution and quarantine reporting, as well as seeking Telemedical Assistance Services (TMAS). This application also provides detailed procedures in the event of distress or SAR incident.
ADRS 2 - Positional and timekeeping references to aid the calculation of positions and times worldwide. Coverage includes worldwide listings of radar beacons, VHF radio-direction-finding stations, known AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoN), Radio beacons transmitting DGPS corrections, International radio time signal broadcast details and International standard and daylight saving times and dates.
ADRS 6 - Essential information for 4,000 service locations worldwide, including detailed pilot, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and port information with their respective contact details and procedures.
To download the ADRS applications, you need to purchase a licence from an [Admiralty Chart Agent]. You can find a list of Admiralty Chart Agents on the [Admiralty website]. Once you have purchased a licence, you will receive a User Permit Number (UPN) and an Installation Key (IK) that will allow you to install and activate the ADRS applications on your computer.
You can download the ADRS applications from the [Admiralty e-Navigator Planning Station], which is a free software that allows you to view, order and manage Admiralty digital products. You can also download the ADRS applications from the [Admiralty FTP site], which requires a username and password that you can obtain from your Admiralty Chart Agent.
After downloading the ADRS applications, you need to install them on your computer by following the instructions on the screen. You will be prompted to enter your UPN and IK during the installation process. Once installed, you can access the ADRS applications from your desktop or start menu.
How to update the ADRS applications
The ADRS applications are updated weekly by internet or disc. You can choose to receive updates by internet or disc when you purchase a licence from your Admiralty Chart Agent. You can also change your update method at any time by contacting your Admiralty Chart Agent.
If you choose to receive updates by internet, you can download them from the Admiralty e-Navigator Planning Station or the Admiralty FTP site. You will need an internet connection and a username and password to access these sites. You can also set up automatic updates on your computer by using the [Admiralty Updating Service], which is a free software that checks for updates and downloads them automatically.
If you choose to receive updates by disc, you will receive a disc every week by mail from your Admiralty Chart Agent. You will need a disc drive and a disc reader to install the updates on your computer. You can also order a disc reader from your Admiralty Chart Agent if you do not have one.
To install the updates, you need to run the ADRS Update Manager, which is a software that allows you to apply updates to the ADRS applications. You can access the ADRS Update Manager from your desktop or start menu. You will be guided through the update process by following the instructions on the screen.
Conclusion
The ALRS is a valuable source of information on all aspects of maritime radio communications. The ALRS is available in both paper and digital formats, but the digital format offers more advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy and flexibility. The digital format is also compliant with SOLAS and flag state requirements. To download and update the ALRS in digital format, you need to purchase a licence from an Admiralty Chart Agent and use the ADRS applications on your computer. You can choose to receive updates by internet or disc, depending on your preference and availability.
For more information on the ALRS and the ADRS applications, you can visit the [Admiralty website] or contact your Admiralty Chart Agent.
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