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How to use AIS data

The automatic identification system, or AIS, transmits a ship's position

Nick Olson avatar
Written by Nick Olson
Updated this week
  • On the main menu, click on Tools, then AIS Data.

  • The map will display AIS targets around your forecast location.

  • Click on any vessel icon to see the current speed and direction of that vessel, along with the vessel name and type.

  • Click on the Search button to find any vessel; you can use the vessel name or MMSI number. Click the vessel name to be taken to its last reported position.

  • Click on the heart icon to save the vessel as a Favourite.

    To view Favourites, in the AIS Data menu click the heart filter in the top right:

  • Click on the layers icon to change to a satellite map view.

  • On the main menu, you can select Local knowledge, here you can also see the AIS-reported vessel data relative to the great resource of information in Local Knowledge.

  • If heading Offshore, check out the Offshore App AIS data while underway.

AIS Boat legend

The source of AIS is a Satellite

The source of AIS is a Land based Station

The source of AIS is a DataHub

Tanker,

General Tanker,

Tanker Product,

Tanker Crude,

Tanker Chemicals

General Cargo

Fishing

Other

Tug

High Speed Craft

Passenger,

Vehicle/Passenger

Dry Bulk

Container

LNG Carrier,

Gas Carrier

Roll On Roll Off,

Car Carrier

Reefer

Offshore

Livestock

Combination Carrier

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