How to check if AIS is transmitting??

[Seagirt]

I’m hooking up equipment that came with a new to me boat. I won’t bore you with details of equipment details unless someone tells me it is relevant.

My MFD registers other AIS targets and information and has been programmed with my mmsi number. The transceiver, also programmed with my MMSI number, displays the ‘all is well’ green light and, when I hook up the computer for diagnostics, tells the computer it has transmitted it’s AIS position. My vhf is programmed with my MMSI and also displays AIS targets and gives collision warnings.

Marinetraffic.com doesn’t seem to be picking up my transmission. I don’t have friends (with AIS) and I am looking for another way to check if I am transmitting my position. Ideas?

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Seagirt

I’m hooking up equipment that came with a new to me boat. I won’t bore you with details of equipment details unless someone tells me it is relevant.

My MFD registers other AIS targets and information and has been programmed with my mmsi number. The transceiver, also programmed with my MMSI number, displays the ‘all is well’ green light and, when I hook up the computer for diagnostics, tells the computer it has transmitted it’s AIS position. My vhf is programmed with my MMSI and also displays AIS targets and gives collision warnings.

Marinetraffic.com doesn’t seem to be picking up my transmission. I don’t have friends (with AIS) and I am looking for another way to check if I am transmitting my position. Ideas?

Marine traffic can have up to an hour delay in showing a vessel.

[Seagirt]

Thanks. I’ve had it running a few hours on a few different days. But only at the dock, not while moving around.

[Paradoxus]

Originally Posted by Seagirt

Thanks. I’ve had it running a few hours on a few different days. But only at the dock, not while moving around.

Leave the dock to allow signal to be picked up by Marine traffic. Worked for me.

[Seagirt]

Guess i’m going for a sail. Should be fun!
Saturday
Wind westerly 20 to 30 knots diminishing to westerly 10 to 20 in the morning then increasing to westerly 30 to 40 late in the day.
Sunday
Wind westerly 30 to 40 knots diminishing to westerly 15 to 25.

I thought I had it transmitting during my last sail but I’m doubting that now. Good to know that I could be in a transmission shadow of some sort.

[CaptTom]

MarineTraffic doesn't have receivers everywhere. My marina is hit-or-miss. Out in the harbor, no problem.

I'd hang out on channel 13 and wait until you hear some comms from a commercial vessel. If they don't sound too rushed, just hail them and ask. I've heard it done, and I've done it myself. Just don't be a pest and it's usually OK.

[Seagirt]

Thank you all for your replies.

[roland stockham]

Yes, treat it as a new vessel and ask for a radio check either from the CG or any other vessel that has AIS. Don't rely on systems like marine check or anything else .com. the internet is a land based system not designed for use at sea. May be fun sometimes but rely on SOLAS for anything that matters

[TrentePieds]

You are in the Salish Sea which teems with commercial vessel all of which have AIS. Hail one of them by VHF and ask if they are getting your AIS, though you might try Victoria Coast Guard first.

TP

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Seagirt

Guess i’m going for a sail. Should be fun!
Saturday
Wind westerly 20 to 30 knots diminishing to westerly 10 to 20 in the morning then increasing to westerly 30 to 40 late in the day.
Sunday
Wind westerly 30 to 40 knots diminishing to westerly 15 to 25.

I thought I had it transmitting during my last sail but I’m doubting that now. Good to know that I could be in a transmission shadow of some sort.

What is the name of your boat? Marine traffic does maintain a bit of history.

[Moontide]

Could also just try calling any Class B AIS that shows up. Can practice using DSC calling at the same time.

[David Sandowich]

As a sailor who also operates a marine traffic station the advice above is correct. Their stations are varied in height and in line of sight often creating gaps. If you are using a splitter and have your VHF on then often your ASI signal is not going out as transmission on the VHF is using the antenna. Also most Class Bs operate at 2.5 watts verses 25 watts on Class C ... a big difference. FWIW ...Ray Marines new AIS700 transmits at 5 watts.Bottom line.... AIS was meant for ship to ship not ship to Marine traffic.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Marine traffic can have up to an hour delay in showing a vessel.

Lately, here where I am SoCal it has been almost immediate. They must have made some upgrades.

[Brewgyver]

Another suggestion: Place you could place a VHF call to your local Harbor Patrol or Vessel Assist, Towboat US, or the like.

[TrentePieds]

Here is a link to one site among many that will give you nifty information about the vessels that are around you.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais...ry:49.3/zoom:9


Basic information as seen here is free of charge, and that amount is certainly quite enuff for my purposes. You can pick a vessel near you - she is obviously using AIS or she wouldn't show - and call 'er up on VHF since her name comes up when you click the vessel symbol.

You can play with the chart and bring up ANY location all over the world.

TP