Keeping Alaska’s Waters Safe: A Look Inside ACN’s 24/7 Monitoring Operations
Protecting Alaska’s waterways requires constant awareness, rapid communication, and the ability to identify potential risks before they become incidents. At the heart of that effort is ACN’s 24/7 monitoring center in Anchorage, where real-time vessel monitoring supports a prevention-first approach to maritime safety.
From January 1 through March 31, 2026, STARS continued to play a critical role in enhancing situational awareness and reducing risk across Alaska’s maritime environment.
Prevention Through Active Monitoring
Rather than waiting to respond to emergencies, ACN focuses on identifying potential concerns early. Continuous monitoring allows watchstanders to engage with vessels, track transit activity, and maintain communication with maritime partners, helping prevent incidents before they occur.
During the first quarter of 2026, ACN’s monitoring center:
- Sent 2,718 vessel engagement emails to support vessel awareness and communication.
- Received 91 external calls from industry partners and stakeholders.
- Managed 1,028 Notices of Transit, including the collection and monitoring of fuel and cargo information.
These daily activities provide valuable information that helps improve operational awareness and supports safer navigation throughout Alaska’s waters.
Monitoring Vessel Activity
The Alaska Chadux Network also tracked vessels and monitored activity that required additional attention.
Between January and March, watchstanders identified:
- 92 Vessels of Interest, allowing for increased monitoring and coordination.
- Five routing measure deviations, helping ensure vessels remained compliant with established navigation measures and enabling timely follow-up when needed.
Early identification of these events allows ACN and its partners to maintain a proactive approach to maritime safety.
A Central Hub for Response Communications
ACN’s Anchorage-based monitoring center now serves as the primary point of contact for all incoming response calls and notifications. Operating around the clock, our 24/7 monitoring center ensures reports are received promptly, information is shared efficiently, and the appropriate stakeholders are notified without delay.
This centralized communication capability strengthens coordination during routine operations and emergency response alike.
Continuing to Improve Through Technology
Technology remains an important part of ACN’s commitment to maritime safety. Recent enhancements to the STARS platform have expanded monitoring capabilities and improved operational efficiency.
Recent upgrades include:
- Country code integration and tracking of non-participating vessels.
- API enhancements that improve overall system speed and performance.
- Historical heat maps and vessel event visualization archives to support trend analysis.
- Enhanced dashboards with integrated vessel imagery for improved situational awareness.
These ongoing improvements provide watchstanders with more comprehensive information, allowing for faster decision-making and a clearer operational picture.
Supporting Safer Waters Every Day
Every email, transit notification, vessel assessment, and system enhancement contributes to a safer maritime environment. Through continuous monitoring, proactive communication, and ongoing technological innovation, ACN’s STARS remains a vital resource for protecting Alaska’s waters and supporting those who work and travel on them every day.
