Automatic Identification System is an integral part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). AIS is a tool for transmitting data electronically between a vessel and the AIS receiving station. Data can be transmitted from vessel to vessel, vessel to ashore station or vessel to satellite. And all vessels navigating closely to each other, having AIS integration, can know the course and speed of each other.
AIS had been a compulsory requirement since 2004 for all vessels weighing over 300 tons and travel internationally.
AIS is an automated tracking system that displays other vessels within close proximity.
