When it comes to navigating boat insurance coverage, you can trust our marine insurance specialists for guidance. But what about when you’re out on the water?

Many boating enthusiasts and commercial boaters are finding improved boat safety when they navigate with an Automatic Identification System or AIS.

What you need to know about AIS

AIS operates using a radio-based transponder system to share relevant information about your vessel with other ships, boats, or yachts in the area (and you can see who is nearby as well, of course).

Think enhanced GPS plus radar. AIS-equipped boats have quick and easy access to real-time positions. When you look at the AIS display, you’ll see at a glance an icon of any vessels within a specific range as well the direction they are taking and at what speed.

With a simple click on a ship icon, you – or anyone else with AIS – can see the name of the ship, classification, and other information such as call sign. The AIS also allows vessels to communicate with each other.

Benefits of AIS

AIS will help you avoid unexpected traffic and collisions, but there are other benefits.

First, the location tracking is precise. Even better, it uses a longer wavelength so it can reach distances radar typically cannot. Another bonus – while radar doesn’t work as well in rainy weather, AIS is reliable in all weather conditions.

AIS options

There are different classes of AIS equipment, ranked A (for commercial and passenger ships that travel internationally), B (for recreational boats – reports less frequently than Class A), and C (which receive information about other vessels, but do not transmit your location).

Did you know that some boat safety courses or other precautions could help reduce the rates for your boat insurance coverage? Contact the boat insurance professionals at Global Marine Insurance to find out more.