What is AIS?

The Universal Shipborne Automatic Identification System is a system of transponders installed on vessels which transmit over two dedicated digital marine VHF channels. The data is sent from each vessel every few seconds and contains position and movement information such as course, speed, latitude, longitude, and rate of turn. Static information about the vessel is sent every few minutes and includes the name, type of ship, length, beam, draft, etc.

Nearly all commercial ships are mandated to carry AIS transponders and each year more yachts, launches and work boats are fitting AIS transponders. You can receive this data with an AIS receiver which translates the digital radio signals into standard NMEA sentences or you can send you information with a transponder. There are two types of transponders, Class A intended for SOLAS vessels and Class B for fitting on non-SOLAS category vessels.

The AISWatchMate is the ideal display and collision warning alarm for use with either receivers or transponders.

For the ultimate receive-only solution use the AISWatchMate RX. It includes a built-in high performance two-channel AIS receiver. There are no external "black boxes" to fit and it provides full AIS output to other on-board electronics.

For the ultimate transmit solution, use the AISWatchMate. It combines with any class A or class B transponder to create the best collision avoidance solution available. You'll see all other AIS-equipped vessels and be seen by them too.