Lloyd’s List Intelligence AIS experts take a look at the truth behind the myths surrounding the vessel tracking technology.
It is time to set the record straight about AIS — what it is, what it is not, and whether it can deliver a full or reliable picture of global vessel movements. Here are some of the common myths around AIS, and the realities behind them:
- AIS was designed for vessel tracking
- AIS is the same as GPS
- AIS can pick up any vessel, anywhere
- The addition of satellite AIS must mean I can see all vessels, all of the time
- AIS accurately shows one vessel, with one signal
- An AIS network should have 100% coverage of the global fleet at all times
- “Going dark” means the vessel is acting illicitly
- AIS is a true indication of a vessel’s position
- AIS provides constant information on cargo and vessel draft
- AIS is the only way to view global fleet movements
Read the responses of Llyod’s AIS experts in the original article published by Lloyd’s List