Do I NEED AIS On MY Boat? | BoatUS

If you've looked into boat electronics recently, you've probably heard a lot about AIS, or Automatic Identification System. This technology interfaces with some VHF radios, chartplotters, and MFDs and allows you to see boat traffic around you and get further information, especially for commercial vessels. But the big question you are probably asking yourself is, "Do I need AIS on my boat?" BoatUS Magazine's Lenny Rudow explains what AIS is, what it does, and gives you the info you need to make the decision whether AIS is right for you.
Learn more: www.boatus.com/expert-advice/...
A special thank you to Jamie Gilman of Hylas Yachts (www.hylasyachts.com) and Greg Foxwell of Mid-Shore Electronics (www.mid-shore-electronics.com) for allowing us to film during the 2023 Bay Bridge Boat Show in Stevensville, Maryland.
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[@user-by6qo9ju3k]

The on line app and computer apps often have delays and may not be in real time
You didn't mention B+ which is closer in the time slots with AIS A slot priority. It also transmits at 5. watts, rather than 2 watts. Especially when your boat is moving fast, the transmissions per minute increase in frequency with B+.

[@boatus]

You're correct, Bob. Thanks for the additional info.

[@melinda5777]

Thanks.

[@boatus]

You're welcome, Melinda! Thanks for watching.

[@bitsurfr46]

What apps can you get to display AIS on an Android phone?

[@davebest6369]

I use Marine Traffic app.

[@boatus]

Great question, William. I'm more familiar with iOS apps, but I did a little digging. For Android, Marine Traffic, the app you see in the video (and what fellow viewer Dave recommended), is one of your better options. Some others to look at include Boat Beacon, which features a collision-avoidance alarm, and FindShip. There are others. Keep in mind that these apps are reliant on having a cell or satellite signal if you're using them on your boat. If you already have invested in a chartplotter app such as Navionics or iNavX, some of those companies have AIS overlays available.

[@Coyotehello]

that question was answered... 10 years ago.

[@boatus]

For you, perhaps. But what about all the new boaters coming along each year?

[@Coyotehello]

Fair enough. I just meant that AIS is not new anymore and anyone taking the mandatory VHF operator certificate hears about it.
Cheers.