AIS represents the Automatic Identification System, a technology utilized by ships and other vessels for sharing their location, velocity, and additional details with surrounding vessels and coastal stations. This article will explore the methods for tracking vessels through AIS.
What is AIS?
AIS is a system that was developed in the 1990s to improve maritime safety and navigation. It uses VHF radio frequencies to transmit data between vessels and shore stations. The data transmitted includes the vessel’s name, type, position, speed, course, and other relevant information.
How to Track Vessels with AIS
To track vessels using AIS, you will need an AIS receiver or transponder. An AIS receiver is a device that can receive and decode the data transmitted by AIS-equipped vessels. It can be used to display the position, speed, and other information of nearby vessels on a map or chart.
An AIS transponder is a device that can transmit and receive AIS data. It is installed on vessels and transmits their position, speed, and other information to nearby vessels and shore stations. If you have an AIS transponder on your vessel, you can track your own position and the positions of nearby vessels using AIS.
AIS Websites and Apps
There are several websites and apps that allow you to track vessels using AIS. These include MarineTraffic, VesselFinder, and ShipSpotting. These websites and apps use data from AIS receivers and transponders to display the positions of vessels on a map or chart.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tracking vessels using AIS is a useful tool for maritime safety and navigation. With an AIS receiver or transponder, you can track your own position and the positions of nearby vessels. There are also several websites and apps that allow you to track vessels using AIS data.