What is a ships' AIS??

[IRL_Joanie]

What is a ships' AIS?? I ask because I heard Seven Seas Mariner ask Zuiderdams' Bridge if they could see Seven Seas Marniers' AIS....

I asked this in the Sail Away thread, but no answers yet, so figured it might be seen by one of you who knows here on the main board.

Joanie

[mountainmare]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Identification_System

Google is your friend.
I saw your question on the sailaway board and got curious. I love listening to the chatter almost as much as the horns!!!

[IRL_Joanie]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Identification_System

Google is your friend.
I saw your question on the sailaway board and got curious. I love listening to the chatter almost as much as the horns!!!

Thank You!!! I never thought to look on Google, me who almost proselytize Google:o

Joanie

[cmdchiefthom]

Actually you can track your favorite ships through the AIS system. Just go to www.marinetraffic.com ;)

[Typhoon1]

Thank You!!! I never thought to look on Google, me who almost proselytize Google:o

Joanie

If you wouldn't have posted your question, the rest would never know about the AIS.

[IRL_Joanie]

If you wouldn't have posted your question, the rest would never know about the AIS.

So, I take it I done did good in asking???:o

After mountainmare pointed out the Wikipedia info on the AIS it hit me smack in the face that the map of Port Everglades is an AIS system, at least I think it is...

Joanie

[cmdchiefthom]

Joanie,

that's exactly right. The little blue diamonds are passenger ships, the AIS system identifies the ship, and if its moving, it turns from a diamond to a`

[cmdchiefthom]

That's right Joanie, the blue diamonds designate ships at anchor and identify the ship, and when it begins moving, it becomes a rectangle with one end pointed in the direction of travel, the speed in knots and the course heading.;)

[mountainmare]

Since we're talking about the Port Everglades webcam.
Does anyone know the significance of the colors of the little ships?
Usually cruiseships are blue, but not always and my favorite guy--Pilot #4 is usually grey. I first thought it might have to do with size.

[Essiesmom]

If you click on the marinetraffic link in post #4, there is a list along the left side that shows the colors and types of ships. EM

[trophy_23]

Having been fortunate enough to be on the Bridge of a HAL ship as we departed Vancouver, I can certainly say it was very interesting watching the screens and seeing the AIS display of inbound commercial tug/barge traffic etc. AIS is right up there with the ships radar, as another great tool for collision avoidance.

Here is a neat site if you are all interested in AIS: http://www.comarsystems.com/comar_ais_in_action3.html