AIS is the acronym for “Automatic Identification System”.
A VHF radio based system used by commercial shipping since 2004.
AIS detects virtually any commercial shipping within a 400+ square Mile area surrounding your position and warns you of their presence.
The software sounds an alarm well in advance of when a collision is probable.
AIS also shows on screen the most likely point of impact, the ships current GPS position, speed and course.
Knowing this information gives one plenty time to take action and avoid a collision.
The transmitted AIS data are updated Automatically every few seconds
For safety at sea, every yacht can and should have access to this information.