AIS Equipment

What is AIS 

AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a tracking system used on boats and ships to improve maritime safety and navigation. It works by automatically transmitting a vessel’s position, speed, course, and other data to nearby ships and shore-based stations via VHF radio signals. This helps prevent collisions, enhances situational awareness, and allows authorities to monitor maritime traffic. AIS is mandatory for larger commercial vessels but is also widely used by recreational boats for added safety.

How to select the correct AIS Equipment

When selecting an AIS for your boat, consider whether you need a receiver-only (AIS receiver) or a transceiver (AIS Class A or Class B). Class A is for commercial vessels, offering higher power and faster updates, while Class B is for recreational boats with lower power and transmission rates. Ensure compatibility with your chartplotter or marine radio, and choose between integrated or external GPS. Also, consider features like Wi-Fi connectivity, power consumption, and installation ease.