The on line app and computer apps often have delays and may not be in real time You didn't mention B+ which is closer in the time slots with AIS A slot priority. It also transmits at 5. watts, rather than 2 watts. Especially when your boat is moving fast, the transmissions per minute increase in frequency with B+.
Great question, William. I'm more familiar with iOS apps, but I did a little digging. For Android, Marine Traffic, the app you see in the video (and what fellow viewer Dave recommended), is one of your better options. Some others to look at include Boat Beacon, which features a collision-avoidance alarm, and FindShip. There are others. Keep in mind that these apps are reliant on having a cell or satellite signal if you're using them on your boat. If you already have invested in a chartplotter app such as Navionics or iNavX, some of those companies have AIS overlays available.
Hi Kevin. While we don't disagree AIS a great tool to have aboard, BoatUS does not support making AIS mandatory on recreational boats because there has been discussion about using AIS for tracking and law-enforcement purposes (monitoring speeding). We want to ensure this excellent technology continues to be used for situational awareness only. You can read more about our position here: www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2023/april/boatus-concerned-about-potential-ais-tracking-of-recreational-boaters
The on line app and computer apps often have delays and may not be in real time
You didn't mention B+ which is closer in the time slots with AIS A slot priority. It also transmits at 5. watts, rather than 2 watts. Especially when your boat is moving fast, the transmissions per minute increase in frequency with B+.
You're correct, Bob. Thanks for the additional info.
saying i have ais is a good response answer
It's definitely nice to have! Thanks for watching!
Thanks.
You're welcome, Melinda! Thanks for watching.
What apps can you get to display AIS on an Android phone?
I use Marine Traffic app.
Great question, William. I'm more familiar with iOS apps, but I did a little digging. For Android, Marine Traffic, the app you see in the video (and what fellow viewer Dave recommended), is one of your better options. Some others to look at include Boat Beacon, which features a collision-avoidance alarm, and FindShip. There are others. Keep in mind that these apps are reliant on having a cell or satellite signal if you're using them on your boat. If you already have invested in a chartplotter app such as Navionics or iNavX, some of those companies have AIS overlays available.
AIS should be required by law in every single boat.
Hi Kevin. While we don't disagree AIS a great tool to have aboard, BoatUS does not support making AIS mandatory on recreational boats because there has been discussion about using AIS for tracking and law-enforcement purposes (monitoring speeding). We want to ensure this excellent technology continues to be used for situational awareness only. You can read more about our position here: www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2023/april/boatus-concerned-about-potential-ais-tracking-of-recreational-boaters
that question was answered... 10 years ago.
For you, perhaps. But what about all the new boaters coming along each year?
Fair enough. I just meant that AIS is not new anymore and anyone taking the mandatory VHF operator certificate hears about it.
Cheers.