That's like saying Radar is a toy, because you stand watch. It's just another tool like any other. I can see, and be seen by targets you do not see and are not seen by.
No one's trying to convince you to step up to a Class B transceiver.
The previous post I made was actually incomplete. Here's a more thorough list:
§ 164.46 Automatic Identification System (AIS)
(a) The following vessels must have a properly installed, operational, type approved AIS as of the date specified:
(1) Self-propelled vessels of 65 feet or more in
length, other than passenger and fishing vessels, in commercial service and on an international voyage, not later than December 31, 2004.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the following, self-propelled vessels, that are on an international voyage must also comply with SOLAS, as amended, Chapter V, regulation 19.2.1.6, 19.2.4, and 19.2.3.5 or 19.2.5.1 as appropriate (Incorporated
by reference, see § 164.03):
(I) Passenger vessels, of 150 gross tonnage or
more, not later than July 1, 2003; (ii) Tankers, regardless of tonnage, not later than the first safety survey for safety equipment on or after
July 1, 2003; (iii) Vessels, other than passenger vessels or tankers,
of 50,000 gross tonnage or more, not later than July 1, 2004; and
(iv) Vessels, other than passenger vessels or tankers, of 300 gross tonnage or more but less than 50,000 gross tonnage, not later than the first safety survey for safety equipment on or after July 1, 2004,
but no later than December 31, 2004.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section, the following vessels, when navigating an area denoted in table 161.12(c) of § 161.12 of this chapter, not later than December 31, 2004.
(i) Self-propelled vessels of 65 feet or more in length, other than fishing vessels and passenger vessels certificated to carry less than 151 passengersfor- hire, in commercial service;
(ii) Towing vessels of 26 feet or more in length and
more than 600 horsepower, in commercial service;
(iii) Passenger vessels certificated to carry more
than 150 passengers-for-hire. (d) The requirements for Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge radiotelephones in §§ 26.04(a) and (c), 26.05, 26.06
and 26.07 this chapter, also apply to AIS. The term
"effective operating condition" used in § 26.06 includes
accurate input and upkeep of AIS data fields.
(e) The use of a portable AIS is permissible, only to
the extent that electromagnetic interference does
not affect the proper function of existing navigation
and communication equipment on board, and such
that only one AIS unit may be in operation at any
one time.
(f) The AIS Pilot Plug, on each vessel over 1,600
gross tons, on international voyage, shall be available
for pilot use, easily accessible from the primary conning
position of the vessel, and near 120 volt, AC
power, 3-prong receptacle.
Note to § 164.46(a): "Properly installed" refers to an installation
using the guidelines set forth in IMO SN/Circ.227 (Incorporated
by reference, see §164.03). Not all AIS units are able to
broadcast position, course, and speed without the input of an
external positioning device (e.g. DGPS); the use of other external
devices (e.g. transmitting heading device, gyro, rate of
turn indicator) is highly recommended, however, not required
except as stated in § 164.46(a)(2). "Type approved" refers to an
approval by an IMO recognized Administration as to comply
with IMO Resolution MSC.74(69), ITU-R Recommendation
M.1371-1, and IEC 61993-2 (Incorporated by reference, see
§164.03). "Length" refers to "registered length" as defined in 46
CFR, part 69. "Gross tonnage" refers to "tonnage" as defined
under the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement
of Ships, 1969.
* *
In the Everett AIS shows the two Mukilteo ferries, two commercial tugs both at dock, and one pleasure boat at dock. It also shows their name, speed and heading, a general description of the vessel and predicted course and range. However it does not show the hundred or so small pleasure boats out there fishing. 
