What does "AIS" stand for and what is its purpose?

The term "AIS" stands for "Automatic Identification System." This system is a vital tool in modern maritime navigation and safety. Its primary purpose is to track vessels through the automatic exchange of information between ships and shore stations. AIS assists mariners in identifying and locating vessels, providing data such as the ship's name, position, course, speed, and navigational status. This information is crucial for avoiding collisions, enhancing situational awareness, and facilitating safer navigation in busy waterways.

The Automatic Identification System operates on VHF radio frequencies and helps improve marine traffic monitoring by optimizing communication and interoperability between different vessels and maritime authorities. Given the increasing number of vessels and the complexity of maritime environments, AIS plays an essential role in maintaining safety and efficiency at sea.