Vessel Name Transmission from WatchMate®

Vessel data is sent in multiple "messages" over time. When the vessel is stationary (<2 knots) it will transmit position, course and speed once every three minutes. It will transmit that information once every 30 seconds when moving faster than 2 knots.

Vessel name, type, size and call sign are sent once every six minutes regardless of speed. This is identical to how AIS Class A on-board ships operate.

Each transmission alternates between channels. So this means that if the receiver is a single channel receiver it can take up to twelve minutes for the boat's name to be received.

To confirm the vessel is transmitting, look at the AIS Status window either on the WatchMate® 850 or WatchMate Vision® screen, within the vmAIS PC program, or on the WatchMate iPhone app. A table shows the TX COUNT for each channel. The vessel name and other details requires two messages to be sent. Position only requires one. Therefore, the TX COUNT will increase by one whenever it transmits  position and it will increase by two whenever it transmits the boat's name, type, etc.