Ais tracking

AlaskaProf said:

I'm looking for something I can show to family and friends so they can locate me over the course of the summer in the wilds of BC and Alaska. If Marine traffic is simply gonna display "pleasure vessel received by satellite", that won't serve.

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If this is your goal, then get a Delorme Inreach for $300. Then your family or whoever can see you all the time. I keep mine on the boat, just in case, the boat disappears. But when I finally make it to Alaska next year and am hiking around, I will take it with me.

I wouldn't travel off the beaten track without an InReach and I wouldn't travel on the beaten track without an AIS transceiver.

Richard on Dauntless

AlaskaProf said:

I'm looking for something I can show to family and friends so they can locate me over the course of the summer in the wilds of BC and Alaska. If Marine traffic is simply gonna display "pleasure vessel received by satellite", that won't serve.

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I installed my AIS system on my boat just a few days ago and I can see its location name and basic details on my computer at home. It is in a populated area with lots of boat traffic and there is a local station that provides data to marinetraffic.com. If you are in a remote area, things might be different.

I remember several years ago, my area had no coverage but other ports did have coverage. Then one day, my area showed up.

O C Diver said:

+1

I'm another happy user of the Garmin Inreach. The texting feature isn't anywhere near as fast as cellular, but worked in all the locations that cellular didn't. Internet tracking map is outstanding!

Ted

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Well yes unless you don't want folks knowing where you are and definitely don't want emails.....

aboatman said:

...I remember several years ago, my area had no coverage but other ports did have coverage. Then one day, my area showed up.

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Yep, that's it, in my mind that's the big deficiency or problem with most AIS configurations for recreational boats -- well, boats without satellite access. The typical recreational (Class B) AIS transceiver depends on proximity to VHF-to-internet reporting stations and those are still very spotty once you get out of relatively dense areas. And that highlights one more reason why I've never bothered to reactivate the AIS unit on Xanadu since it arrived from New York. I don't know for sure, but I'd be very surprised if my stretch of the Missouri has any reporting stations at all, so I'd end up hand-reporting the positions over wifi or cell data anyway.

(Oh, for CaptTom, I'm way up the Missouri above the first dam, so no commercial traffic on my stretch. In fact I pay very close attention to the navigability of the upper Missouri because someday it'll make a big difference to me. The last, closest commercial shipping on the Missouri went as far as Sioux City, Iowa about 50 miles away in 2014 (barge with parts for a big fertilizer plant at Port Neal). If the Missouri were navigable from below the dam in Yankton to Sioux City (even by a boat my size) I could have a crane drop our boat below the dam and I'm home free, we could motor out into the rest of the world. If it's not navigable from Yankton to Sioux City though, then we'll likely disassemble, ship, and reassemble the boat in Duluth on Lake Superior which will cost a good chunk of money. Around 2012 there was some talk about building a huge ethanol refinery around Elk Point and they were going to dredge the Missouri above Sioux City so they could barge to the construction site, but local opposition killed the plant. Once in a while they talk about installing a lock at Gavins Point Dam but that'll never happen in my lifetime.)

kthoennes said:

Yep, that's it, in my mind that's the big deficiency or problem with most AIS configurations for recreational boats -- well, boats without satellite access. The typical recreational (Class B) AIS transceiver depends on proximity to VHF-to-internet reporting stations and those are still very spotty once you get out of relatively dense areas. ..................

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The real purpose of transmitting AIS data is for nearby ships (and boats) to be able to see you, know your position and course and your boat's name so they can call you on the radio by name.

Reporting stations and Internet sites are pretty much for recreational use.

If you have the capability, you should use your AIS.

Alaskan Sea-Duction said:

Well yes unless you don't want folks knowing where you are and definitely don't want emails.....

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You can always turn the tracking off.

Ted

Alaskan Sea-Duction said:

Well yes unless you don't want folks knowing where you are and definitely don't want emails.....

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O C Diver said:

You can always turn the tracking off.

Ted

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Yes you can! Crusty Chief knows this VERY well!!

We are at Warm Springs, Chatham Straits, SE Alaska. We arrived the night before and anchored. Next day, there was room at the dock. After arriving someone asked Ol' Crusty if he was the Pairadice. Yes. The USCG has been trying to get a hold of you for the past hour. He had turned off his AIS and VHF while at the dock. He turned on his radio and heard:

Securte' Securte' Securtie, This is the USCG Sector Juneau calling the M/V Pairadice!"

Of course we have all gathered. He answered and they told him they had received a message from xyz from Las Vegas NV and she was concerned you had dropped off of AIS the past few days. This was Crusty's Admiral's friend who owns sail boats.

We were all smiling, Crusty was red in the face. He asked them to relay they were just fine.

I had a "Spot" so we got the Admiral's friend the shared page link so they could see where we are!

Yep Crusty was a little embarrassed and we had fun with it!!

Jeeezzzz, nothing is sacred.

I have both Vessel Finder and Ship Finder on IPad. My vessel does not show up on Ship Finder at home port, but does on Vessel Finder, go figure. The AIS itself sometimes does what Radar can’t do. It is very helpful.

Crusty Chief said:

Jeeezzzz, nothing is sacred.

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On TF??? Yeah right.......:lol:

Crusty Chief said:

Jeeezzzz, nothing is sacred.

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John ......Are you and Tracey heading up the Columbia this summer with ASD? It won't be the same up north without you guys!

Crusty Chief said:

Jeeezzzz, nothing is sacred.

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What happens in Alaska stays in Alaska? Except on TF?

Some folks do not add a picture of their boat for security. Others list only their MMSI number for security sake.
I list my MMSI and vessel description, no picture, upon the advice of the company and installers.
I also 'feed' the AIS information only to my RADAR display. I forgot my reasoning for this other than I want to know which ship to "call" if we are getting close. You know, the old 'I am here and you are there. Let's not hit each other.'
My thinking ma change on this but for now, that's my thought.
I have an ON/OFF switch but thinking about a 'passive only' switch, receiving and not transmitting.

aboatman said:

The real purpose of transmitting AIS data is for nearby ships (and boats) to be able to see you, know your position and course and your boat's name so they can call you on the radio by name.



Reporting stations and Internet sites are pretty much for recreational use.



If you have the capability, you should use your AIS.

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Thank you!

This discussion, while interesting, was getting pretty far afield from what the purpose of AIS is. I have an AIS receiver, but really want an integrated AIS transceiver. My problem is that I’m not smart enough to install it one that will integrate into my legacy RM system. This is one of those situations where I would love to find a qualified tech shop and just make it happen for a boat buck or two.

I like being able to see AIS traffic on my plotter. I have now gotten to the point where I really want other traffic to see me as well on AIS.

aboatman said:

The real purpose of transmitting AIS data is for nearby ships (and boats) to be able to see you, know your position and course and your boat's name so they can call you on the radio by name.



Reporting stations and Internet sites are pretty much for recreational use.



If you have the capability, you should use your AIS.

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Amen!

dhays said:

Thank you!

This discussion, while interesting, was getting pretty far afield from what the purpose of AIS is. I have an AIS receiver, but really want an integrated AIS transceiver. My problem is that I’m not smart enough to install it one that will integrate into my legacy RM system. This is one of those situations where I would love to find a qualified tech shop and just make it happen for a boat buck or two.

I like being able to see AIS traffic on my plotter. I have now gotten to the point where I really want other traffic to see me as well on AIS.

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and if you have RADAR it must be on too.

Ken E. said:

John ......Are you and Tracey heading up the Columbia this summer with ASD? It won't be the same up north without you guys!

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Thanks for asking Ken.
The plan is to leave our dock on Hayden Island early May up the Columbia and up the Snake as far as possible, then return to Hayden before the 4th of July. ASD may meet up with us, but they have a few logistical issues to work out before committing. After traveling so much over the last few years up North, we have tons of stuff to do here in Vegas, and we want to get Pairadice ready to head south in 2019 also.

We really enjoyed the last few years up North and meeting so many TFer’s, but we are so looking forward to some warmth. Mexico for a year or 2 then down through the canal, and then?????

Cheers!

For those that asked,
A few years back we installed a Vesper unit that transmits and receive’s AIS via VHF. Because we have older Raymarine Chartplotter, radar and so on, integrating the AIS wasn’t possible, so we use a small screen by Vesper to see targets. It took me 2 years to figure out how to disable the Alarms on it, primarily in heavy traffic areas. AIS is a necessary item for us, as is the radar and our primary chartplotter the IPAD with Navionics. Ours is Wi-Fi capable, I just haven’t figured out how to get it to communicate to the IPAD yet.

OldDan1943 said:

and if you have RADAR it must be on too.

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Hmm.... No. I use radar when necessary to keep an adequate watch.

However when the weather is bad and/or there is a lot of traffic I do have radar active. The point is that if I am transmitting AIS, that provides a bit of extra information to other traffic around me.

On my sailboat I had a radar reflector to help others see me. I think of the AIS transceiver the same way and would like one.

Rebel112r said:

I have both Vessel Finder and Ship Finder on IPad. My vessel does not show up on Ship Finder at home port, but does on Vessel Finder, go figure.

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This is not uncommon. The two have competing shore receiver networks. One often works where the other doesn't.

OldDan1943 said:

and if you have RADAR it must be on too.

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Sort of. Technically, you must use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to avoid a collision. Use of long-range scanning and radar plotting are specifically spelled out.

IF a collision occurs, then you obviously weren't using all available appropriate means to avoid it. However, if no collision occurs, maybe radar was not appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

Still, it's best to learn how to use it when it's NOT needed.

It as mentioned earlier, but I think bears repeating. AIS is for close proximity, ship to ship navigation, and for ship to shore in traffic control areas. It was never intended for following people around the world as they cruise. Some enterprising folks have found ways to do such tracking, but with a wide range of limitations given how the technology is designed and intended. In short, it's a navigation tool, not a tracking tool.

If you want to track your boat, there are other devices and technologies designed for that purpose, and they can track you MUCH better han AIS. So if that's what you want, that's what you should get. In short, inreach and go are tracking tools, not navigation tools.

Yup, AIS isn't the best way to track your boat.

There's another way to track real-time (family at home can actually watch your vessel moving on a map) as well as send AND RECEIVE texts and emails. Getting a license as an amateur radio operator opens up the world of APRS to you. There are no monthly fees, no subscriptions...you just have to buy your radio. A Technician license is super easy to get and opens up VHF/UHF voice & data. The next step up is General, and that gives you HF access for transoceanic communication.

Like AIS, it was not designed to be a tracking system, but it works beautifully for that purpose and gives the benefit of two-way data communication.

Love our Vesper X8000 with wifi, and anchor watch and the firmware is easy to update.

I'm not sure the OPs original question got answered very well but lots of good info in the replies.
Though new toys like InReach are cool, for the guy that doesnt want to spend more money, the answer is yes your family can track your AIS most of the time. We were all over the PNW last summer and our family had no trouble tracking our AIS... though I think they mostly used Vesselfinder. it shows vessel name, LOA, beam, and tonnage. If you're not seeing any details for certain pleasure craft, its possible that guy didnt fully program it.
In fact I can search my vessel name right now and it shows the very last place and time it was hauled out.

How about a portable AIS, NOMAD

Off topic a little what apps are you using with your xb8000

CaptTom, just ordered an xb8000. What app she are you using. Any issue should or tricks you learned? Planning on installing this weekend

Thanks
Paul

CaptTom said:

Note that these free tracking sites are only as good as the shore stations they're connected to. Up our way, outside the main harbors, you're mostly invisible to anyone on the web-based sites.

I have the Vesper XB8000, with WiFi. Love it!

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Hamrow said:

I'm not sure the OPs original question got answered very well but lots of good info in the replies.
:

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I am the OP, and I did find a lot of useful info. As I will be spending the bulk of this summer out of range of the required AIS ground stations, I took the advice and bought an InReach SE to complement my new Vesper 6000.

I'll be installing/activating both soon and ill post the addresses here.

Thanks for the assistance.

'Prof

AlaskaProf said:

I am the OP, and I did find a lot of useful info. As I will be spending the bulk of this summer out of range of the required AIS ground stations, I took the advice and bought an InReach SE to complement my new Vesper 6000.

I'll be installing/activating both soon and ill post the addresses here.

Thanks for the assistance.

'Prof

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Good job.

The InReach is really helpful to one and all. Just make sure to take a plan that you will not go over for the month, otherwise it becomes quite costly.

Working boats in particular will appreciate your AIS.