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The automatic identification system (AIS) is a navigation system which reduces the risk of collisions at sea.
AIS improves navigation safety and environmental protection by assisting in the effective navigation of ships. It can be used as an aid to navigation by providing location and additional information on buoys and lights.
Learn more. Take our AIS online tutorial.
Register for the AIS online tutorial at the AMSA learning centre.
The AIS is a maritime communications device. It uses the very high frequency (VHF) radio broadcasting system to transfer data. AIS equipped vessels (shipborne AIS) and shore based stations (non-shipborne AIS) can use it to send and receive identifying information. This identifying information can be displayed on an electronic chart, computer display, chart plotter or compatible navigation radar.
AIS improves navigation safety and environmental protection by assisting in the effective navigation of ships.
This identifying information can:
The AIS can handle over 2000 reports per minute and may update information as often as every two seconds.
AIS can be used as an aid to navigation by providing location and additional information on buoys and lights.