AIS

Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a collision avoidance  system that gives information all the ships in your area, their speed and courses and how to contact them (name, callsign, MMSI). This information is publically broadcast on VHF radio which can be picked up either by other ships or by shore based receivers.

AIS works best over a range of a few miles as the AIS signal is more or less limited to line of sight to the horizon (usually 10-20 miles). However, by getting together a group of amateur shipping enthusiasts around the country equipped with suitable receivers and aerials, ships can be tracked over longer distances.

This website seeks to provide a single, real and deep knowledge base on all aspects of AIS technology, products and systems. We look forward to the contribution from users, authorities and manufacturers to make our website more and more complete.
  We hope you will find less useful information at this site.