AIS (Automatic Identification System) is initially intended to help ships avoid collisions, as well as assisting port authorities to better control sea traffic. AIS transponders on board vessels include a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, which collects position and movement details. It includes also a VHF transmitter, which transmits periodically this information on two VHF channels (frequencies 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz ? old VHF channels 87 & 88) and make this data available to the public domain. Other vessels or base stations are able to receive this information, process it using special software and display vessels locations on a chart plotter or on a computer.

If You are logged in, then the AIS map below will centralise and zoom into your last known current position and if you have a MMSI number set in your profile, then the map will show your boat track if the MarineTraffic website has collected this AIS data from your AIS transmitter or VHF. If you are not logged in, then the map will GEOLocate your IP address and attempt to centralise the map on your position.