Marine AIS Equipment

AIS (short for Automatic Identification System) is an effective tool for monitoring and identifying maritime traffic with the help of VHF radio frequencies. The vehicle equipped with this system automatically transmits a special radio signal once in several seconds. This message contains information about the vessel's name, size, type, course, cargo, current position, speed, and lots of other parameters. Developed by IMO, AIS allows for avoiding collisions and accidents, monitoring marine sanctuaries, preventing crimes, and fulfilling some other important tasks. Actually, most passenger and large commercial vessels are obliged to have this system, yet smaller vessels such as fishing and leisure boats can also benefit from AIS.

Currently, there are two main classes of marine AIS equipment, Class A and Class B, and there are also receive-only AIS systems. The last category is more appealing to owners of recreational boats, as they can be aware of the situation in their shipping areas and plan travels during low traffic periods. In order to have such a system, you need an AIS receiver, antenna, and display; some chartplotters can also show AIS information. All of these products are available in our online store; we carry AIS transceivers, antenna splitters, and other products by Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, and other brands.