AIS

AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)

AIS forms part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and is a requirement for all vessels over 300 tons on international voyages, 500 tons non international and all passenger ships to transmit, on VHF, information in digital form which says who they are, where they are, what sort of vessel they are and useful information like course, speed and heading.

Vessels not required to fit by regulation may also fit AIS. Most fishing vessels don’t transmit AIS and most naval vessels, though they have the capability, don’t either. Masters of vessels can switch off their transmissions to protect the security of the vessel and do so in areas where piracy is rife.

The system has expanded to include AIS transmitters on major navigational marks which are known as Aids to Navigation or “Atons”. This has further developed into the concept of “virtual Atons” which are discussed below.

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Nasa AIS Engine
The AIS Engine 3 is supplied with a free copy of ‘SeaClear’ and a trial version of Software on Board. A data cable to connect to the 9 pin serial port of a PC and a 12 volt power cable. The AIS Engine 3 and a conventional marine antenna are all you need to start plotting vessels on your PC or AIS compatible plotter. The software runs in windows 95, 98, ME, XP, 2000, NT and Vista, it includes...
£150.12 £130.00
Raymarine AIS4000  Class A AIS TransceiverRaymarine AIS4000  Class A AIS Transceiver
Raymarine AIS4000 Class A AIS Transceiver
Designed for commercial vessels, luxury yachts, and SOLAS high-seas shipping, the AIS4000 Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver delivers robust Class A AIS network capability and is engineered to withstand the harsh weather, shock, and vibration of any vessel class.
£3,195.00

Raymarine Ray91 VHF Black Box with AIS Reciever
Raymarine Ray91 Modular VHF Radio System with AIS Receiver The Ray91 modular VHF radio brings dual-station communications and traffic management to a whole new level of power, performance, and flexibility. The Ray91 is a black-box design with a transceiver that hides out of sight while the ergonomic RayMic handset and remote speaker provide full control of the radio with crystal clear audio.
£1,095.00 £949.00
Nasa Clipper AIS Plotter/Radar
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a shipboard broadcast VHF transponder system, sending data about the identity of a ship. Its name, MMSI number, its latitude, longitude, speed, course and heading. All vessels over 300 gross tonnage and all passenger vessels are obliged to carry an AIS transponder. This transponder assists in traffic monitoring, management and collision prevention. The...
£289.18 £249.00

ICOM M605 Fixed VHF DSC Radio with AIS
The IC-M605EURO is an advanced Class D VHF/DSC radio with integrated AIS receiver, capable of showing real-time AIS vessel traffic information on the large colour TFT LCD display. Multi-station VHF system which will allow up to three COMMAND HEAD/COMMANDMIC to be connected Easy to read Colour TFT LCD with Wide 4.3” Viewing Angle Integrated AIS Receiver Intuitive User Interface Class...
£989.99 £889.00
Digital Yacht AIS100 Pro AIS Receiver (NMEA+USB)
Sale
Digital Yacht AIS100 Pro AIS Receiver (NMEA+USB)
Product Information High performance dual channel AIS receiver for use with existing plotter and radar systems USB Interface for simple plug ‘n play connection to a PC High Speed NMEA output (38,400 baud) Requires VHF antenna or dedicated AIS antenna (available as optional accessory) or splitter Multiplexed NMEA input for single NMEA GPS+AIS data output at 38,400 baud Easy...

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£300.00 £285.00

Em-Trak A200 Class A AIS Transceiver IMO-SOLAS Certified
The A200 Class A is both SOLAS and Inland Waterway certified and offers superior performance through its advanced, next-gen technology. The A200 has been engineered for even the harshest marine environments, undergoing extensive testing by independent experts to ensure it is waterproof and unaffected by extreme temperatures, shock and vibration so you don't need to worry about reliability issues...
£1,999.90 £1,529.90
Em-Trak AIS GPS Antenna GPS100
GPS Antenna suitable for use with all em-trak Class A & B transceivers
£76.99 £59.95

Em-Trak B200 Class B AIS Transceiver 5W
The em-trak B200 is a high transmit power (5W) priority AIS Class B transceiver specifically designed for serious ocean sailors, offering enhanced safety through maximum range and transmission priority. The high powered, advanced AIS engine provides reliability you can depend on and the very best AIS performance in its class. Completely water and weatherproof (IPx6 & IPx7 certified), and ruggedized...
£1,299.99 £999.90
Em-Trak B400 AIS Class B Transceiver
Introducing the B400, a high-powered priority transmit AIS Class B transceiver that delivers ultimate reliability, enhanced range and advanced performance across the busiest waters and open ocean. Designed for serious sailors and commercial applications, the B400 is a self-contained, fully integrated plug-and-play unit. Suitable for internal or external installation, it has been certified weather...
£1,499.90 £1,229.90

Em-Trak B921 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMAEm-Trak B921 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMA
Sale
Em-Trak B921 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMA
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.
£539.90 £489.90
Em-Trak B922 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMA with WI-FI & Bluetooth
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.
£799.90 £694.90

Em-Trak B923 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMA with VHF Antenna SplitterEm-Trak B923 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMA with VHF Antenna Splitter
Sale
Em-Trak B923 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMA with VHF Antenna Splitter
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.
£699.90 £635.90
Em-Trak B924 Class B AIS Transceiver 2W CSTDMA with VHF Antenna Splitter WI-FI & Bluetooth
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.
£999.90 £869.90

Em-Trak B951 Class B AIS Transceiver 5W SOTDMA
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.

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£659.90 £539.90
Em-Trak B952 Class B AIS Transceiver 5W SOTDMA WI-FI & Bluetooth
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.
£899.90 £759.90

Em-Trak B953 Class B AIS Transceiver 5W SOTDMA with VHF Antenna SplitterEm-Trak B953 Class B AIS Transceiver 5W SOTDMA with VHF Antenna Splitter
Sale
Em-Trak B953 Class B AIS Transceiver 5W SOTDMA with VHF Antenna Splitter
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.
£819.90 £739.90
Em-Trak B954 Class B AIS Transceiver 5W SOTDMA With VHF Antenna Splitter, WI-FI & Bluetooth
Enhance your on-the-water experience with the B900 series – a market leading range of standard and high transmit power AIS Class B transceivers designed for real-world conditions. Small, lightweight, and built to last, every product in the range delivers em-trak's advanced performance and ultimate connectivity – giving you the complete picture and the time to respond. With easy installation and connectivity options, the B900 series offers flexible, wireless or wired usage, helping you to get the most from your transceiver and related onboard equipment every day.
£1,099.90 £969.90

Em-Trak I100 SERIES Small Vessel Class B AIS Transceiver Jet Ski & Tender
Sale
Em-Trak I100 SERIES Small Vessel Class B AIS Transceiver Jet Ski & Tender
The Identifier I100-X is a ruggedized, fully self-contained AIS Class B vessel tracking transponder, ideal for small vessel tracking and monitoring. I100-X can power itself using its own internal rapid recharge battery (+120hrs continuous operation), or be connected directly to another onboard power source such as engine, battery or solar with the battery then acting as a backup. I100-X is fully...
£712.80 £699.99
Em-Trak I100-X Programming Dock Accessory
Programming dock for configuration. Also can be used as a charger for I100-X
£243.60 £199.90

Em-Trak SART100 AIS Search & Rescue Transponder IMO-SOLAS Certified
Be ready for anything. Engineered for reliability the em-trak SART100 is a IMO-SOLAS certified AIS search and rescue transponder. This market-leading search and rescue transponder can be stored for years, and when needed, can be instantly activated to transmit an emergency transmission to all AIS equipped vessels including coastguard and aircraft, allowing them to pinpoint your exact location. The...
£599.90 £490.90
Raymarine AIS700 Class B Transceiver With Integrated Splitter
The AIS700 from Raymarine is a Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) transceiver designed for use with Raymarine multifunction navigation display systems. As a Class B AIS transceiver, the AIS700 not only receives broadcasts from other vessels, it also transmits your own boat’s information too helping you to be seen on other vessels’ systems. AIS700 KEY FEATURES Full transmit...
£1,195.00 £995.00

Raymarine Ray90 VHF Black Box with AIS 700 Tx & Rx
Raymarine Ray 90 VHF Black Box With AIS 700 Tx & Rx (inc Wired Handset. Passive Speaker and Cable) Raymarine Ray 90 VHF Black Box (inc Wired Handset. Passive Speaker and Cable) Raymarine’s fixed mount Ray90 modular VHF radio brings multi-station communications to a whole new level of power, performance, and flexibility. The Ray90 is a black-box design with a transceiver that hides out...
£1,895.00 £1,609.00
Digital Yacht AIT1500 Class B AIS Transponder
Sale
Digital Yacht AIT1500 Class B AIS Transponder
The AIT1500 is an ultra-compact Class B Transponder with two outputs; NMEA 0183 and USB, allowing it to work with the majority of existing and legacy AIS compatible chart plotters or computer software packages on the market today. Featuring a remote silence button option, two NMEA 0183 Inputs and Outputs, integral USB cable, four status LEDs and a new rugged ABS plastic enclosure, the AIT1500 is the...
£624.00 £590.00

Digital Yacht AIT2000 Class B AIS Transponder
Sale
Digital Yacht AIT2000 Class B AIS Transponder
The AIT2000 uses the latest AIS Transponder technology to squeeze more performance and interfacing options in to a housing that is half the size of our previous generation transponder. This ultra-compact Class B Transponder has three outputs; NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and USB connection, allowing it to work with every AIS compatible chart plotter or software package on the market today. Featuring a remote...
£714.00 £669.00

AIS

Types of AIS Equipment

For a shipboard fitting there are three types of AIS equipment, Class A, Class B and receive only.  Class A is intended for vessels where the fit is mandatory.

Class A transmits more information, more frequently and at higher power than Class B. Most of the information in the AIS transmission is derived from other instruments on the vessel e.g. course over the ground (COG) and speed over the ground (SOG) from GPS but there is some information that requires manual entry such as vessel status which can be “underway”, “at anchor”, “alongside” etc.  Similarly next port of call and numbers of passengers.

Class B is intended for voluntary fit vessels. It is largely “fit and forget” and does not require manual updating.  Vessel details are entered when it is installed and it then transmits vessel name, callsign (MMSI), position, COG and SOG.

Both Class A and B receive data from other vessels, and this is used to place icons on the screen of the plotter.  These in turn can be interrogated to show all the vessel data.

The third option for a small vessel is to just receive AIS transmissions from other vessels and display them.  Early equipment for small craft was receive only and then Class B came into the market and is now favoured.  Having receive only means you will be able to see what other vessels are doing but they can’t see you.  Large vessels are becoming used to seeing small on AIS and craft transmitting AIS are likely to get more attention than those who are not.

Recently AIS Man Overboard devices have become available and at least one manufacturer now integrates one into its lifejackets.  These devices have an advantage over the conventional satellite-based units (EPIRBS) in that they will show up on chart plotters on adjacent vessels whereas the EPIRB will only alert shore side search and rescue authorities.