How does AIS work?

Almost all commercial vessels are required to have a Class A transponder on board. The transponder broadcasts vessel information every two seconds. Other large and small vessels with a compatible AIS receiver can view the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and location of the transmitting vessel. Other broadcast data can include but is not limited to:

• Weight
• Displacement
• Vessel Name
• Speed

With an AIS-compatible Garmin Chartplotter and a compatible AIS receiver, the position of the transponding vessel can be displayed on the Map Page.