Marine Vessel tracking device

[nomorecatering]

Have read in one of the threads regarding over water ferry flights there is a devise that ships have that automatically transmits their position. There is another unit that a pilot can fit to his aircraft so he can see any ships that are within 100 nm of his position.

Anyone know what it is?

[Ultranomad]

The device you need is an AIS receiver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Identification_System). Like aircraft, ships are also equipped with transponders, which broadcast ship's position, name and other information.

[fisbangwollop]

Its called AIS, you can use the following web site to track live traffic


ShipAIS (http://www.shipais.com/)

[dublinpilot]

One of these might be of interest to you.

I know nothing of either, and have no experience of either...so can't make any recomondations.

Spot Tracker (http://www.transair.co.uk/product4.asp?SID=2&Product_ID=8149)

Spider Tracks Aircraft Tracking (http://www.transair.co.uk/Category.asp?SID=1&Category_ID=2650)

[ab33t]

That would be a great piece of equipment for Atlantic crossings

[Trolltuner]

....
The device you need is an AIS receiver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Identification_System). Like aircraft, ships are also equipped with transponders, which broadcast ship's position, name and other information.


Anton, pretty sure you're correct about the "broadcast" comment, but not the "transponder" as we're accustomed to in airplanes - i.e., ship AIS transmits at random, not in response to an interrogation.

An AIS receiver remains a passive device. (If anyone knows more, please pipe in :)).

Cheers,

Trolltuner

[englishal]

No it is passive. Transmits the GPS position and message every few seconds. In range of the coast, and coast staions pick it up. In range of another ship it is received directly.

The Coastguard SAR choppers have them fitted so the coastguard can track the helo.....they only cost a few £00.....

[antondavis]

You can check this out Marine Traffic Vessel Tracking | Free AIS tracking (http://www.marinetraffic.org/) I think it will help you :D