Finding sea vessels in real time. Marina traffic in Russian, real-time ship traffic map. How Marinetraffic works

30.07.2021

Marine Traffic is a resource with which you can track the position of ships on an AIS (Automatic Identification System) map. This is done very simply: in the search window you need to enter the name of the vessel, and the service will show where it is located in this moment. In addition to the name and type of the ship, you can find out its course, the country to which it belongs, its speed and other useful data.

The service is convenient to use - ships different types are highlighted in different colors, the direction of their movement is shown, and those who are at anchor are indicated separately.

Video: MarineTraffic - the world's most popular online vessel tracking service

When you hover the cursor over the icon, information about the ship appears in a pop-up window: name, country of registration, destination. If you click on it, the system will show more detailed information, right down to the photo.

How does Marinetraffic work?

AIS technology is used to create a ship map – automatic system identification. Each ship has a transmitter that constantly transmits information over the air using radio waves. Mobile and satellite connection, therefore this technology is cheaper than analogues. Any receiver operating on VHF or VHF frequencies can pick up the signal.

Broadcast coverage depends on several factors. The most significant ones are the transmitter power and the height of the receiving antenna. But even the weakest repeater can broadcast within a range of 75 km. This is enough for ships to become aware of each other's presence from a safe distance.

Real-time ship traffic map. AIS

AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a system in shipping that serves to identify ships, their dimensions, course and other data using VHF radio waves.

Recently, there has been a tendency to interpret AIS as an Automatic Information System, which is associated with the expansion of the functionality of the system compared to the ordinary task of identifying vessels.

In accordance with the Convention, SOLAS 74/88 is mandatory for ships of over 300 gross tonnage engaged on international voyages, ships of 500 gross tonnage or more not engaged on international voyages, and all passenger ships. Vessels and yachts with a smaller displacement can be equipped with a class B device. Data transmission is carried out on international communication channels AIS 1 and AIS 2 in the SOTDMA protocol (Self Organizing Time Division Multiple Access). Frequency modulation with GMSK keying is used.

Purpose of AIS

AIS is designed to increase the level of navigation safety, efficiency of navigation and operation of the vessel traffic control center (VTCS), environmental protection, ensuring the following functions:

as a means of preventing collisions in ship-to-ship mode;

as a means of obtaining information about the vessel and cargo by competent coastal services;

as a VTC tool in ship-to-shore mode for vessel traffic control;

as a means of monitoring and tracking ships, as well as in search and rescue (SAR) operations.

AIS components

The AIS system includes the following components:

VHF transmitter,

one or two VHF receivers,

global receiver satellite navigation(for example, GPS, GLONASS), for ships flying the Russian flag, the GLONASS module in the AIS device is strictly mandatory, the main source of coordinates. GPS is auxiliary and can be taken from a GPS receiver using the NMEA protocol;

modulator/demodulator (converter of analogue data to digital and vice versa),

microprocessor based controller

equipment for input/output of information to control elements.

Operating principle of AIS

The operation of AIS is based on the reception and transmission of messages in the VHF range. The AIS transmitter operates at longer wavelengths than radars, which allows the exchange of information not only over direct distances, but also in areas with obstacles in the form of small objects, as well as in bad weather conditions. Although one radio channel is sufficient, some AIS systems transmit and receive on two radio channels in order to avoid interference problems and not disrupt the communication of other objects. AIS messages may contain:

identification information about the object,

information about the state of the object, received automatically from the object’s control elements (including from some electro-radio navigation devices),

information about geographic and time coordinates that AIS receives from global navigation satellite system,

information entered manually by facility maintenance personnel (safety-related).

The transfer of additional text information between AIS terminals (paging) is provided. Transmission of such information is possible both to all terminals within the range, and to one specific terminal.

In order to ensure the unification and standardization of AIS, the International Radio Regulations stipulate two channels for use for AIS purposes: AIS-1 (87V - 161.975 MHz) and AIS-2 (88V - 162.025 MHz), which should be used everywhere, with the exception of regions with special frequency regulation.

Transmission speed digital information 9600 bps is selected in the AIS channel.

The operation of each AIS station (mobile or base) is strictly synchronized to UTC time with an error of no more than 10 μs from the built-in GNSS receiver (in the Russian Federation, according to signals from the combined GNSS receiver GLONASS/GPS). To transmit information, continuously repeating frames lasting 1 minute are used, which are divided into 2250 slots (time intervals) each lasting 26.67 ms.

Text uses 6-bit ASCII codes.

Displaying information about the environment in modern AIS is possible in 2 modes - both textual in the form of a table with a list of nearby vessels and their data, and in the form of a simplified schematic map depicting the relative positions of vessels and distances to them (calculated automatically based on the data transmitted by them geographical coordinates.) AIS is included in the list of equipment provided uninterruptible power supply from batteries is mandatory.

On this page you can watch the movement of sea and river vessels in real time.

AIS (Automatic Identification System) - in shipping, a system used to identify ships, their dimensions, heading and other data using VHF/VHF radio waves.

Recently, there has been a tendency to interpret AIS as an Automatic Information System (English: AIS Automatic Information System), which is associated with the expansion of the functionality of the system compared to the ordinary task of identifying vessels.

In accordance with the SOLAS 74/88 Convention, it is mandatory for ships with a displacement of more than 300 register tons on international voyages, ships with a displacement of more than 500 register tons not engaged in international voyages and all passenger ships. Vessels and yachts with a smaller displacement can be equipped with a class B device. Data transmission is carried out on international communication channels AIS 1 and AIS 2 in the SOTDMA protocol (Self Organizing Time Division Multiple Accsess). Frequency modulation with GMSK keying is used.
Purpose

As a means of preventing collisions in ship-to-ship mode;
as a means of obtaining information about the vessel and cargo by competent coastal services;
as a VTC tool in ship-to-shore mode for vessel traffic control;
as a means of monitoring and tracking ships, as well as in search and rescue (SAR) operations.

AIS components

The AIS system includes the following components:

VHF transmitter,
one - two VHF receivers,
global satellite navigation receiver (for example, GPS, GLONASS), for Russia the GLONASS module in the AIS device is strictly mandatory, the main source of coordinates. GPS is auxiliary and can be taken from the GPS receiver via the NMEA bus;
modulator/demodulator (converter of analogue data to digital and vice versa),
microprocessor based controller
equipment for input/output of information to control elements

Operating principle of AIS
System Overview from US Coast Guard

The operation of AIS is based on the reception and transmission of messages via VHF waves. The AIS transmitter operates at longer wavelengths than radars, which allows the exchange of information not only over direct distances, but also in areas with obstacles in the form of small objects, as well as in bad weather conditions. Although one radio channel is sufficient, some AIS systems transmit and receive on two radio channels in order to avoid interference problems and not disrupt the communication of other objects. AIS messages may contain:

Identification information about the object,
information about the state of the object, received automatically from the object’s control elements (including from some electro-radio navigation devices),
information about geographic and time coordinates that AIS receives from the global navigation satellite system,
information entered manually by facility maintenance personnel (safety-related).

The digital information transmission rate in the AIS channel is selected at 9600 bps.

The operation of each AIS station (mobile or base) is strictly synchronized to UTC time with an error of no more than 10 μs from the built-in GNSS receiver (in the Russian Federation, according to signals from the combined GLONASS/GPS GNSS receiver). To transmit information, continuously repeating frames lasting 1 minute are used, which are divided into 2250 slots (time intervals) each lasting 26.67 ms.

Text uses 6-bit ASCII codes.

Displaying information about the environment in modern AIS is possible in 2 modes - both textual in the form of a table with a list of nearby vessels and their data, and in the form of a simplified schematic map depicting the relative positions of vessels and distances to them (calculated automatically based on the data transmitted by them geographic coordinates.) AIS is included in the list of equipment that is required to be provided with uninterruptible battery power.
Message structure
Static information

MMSI number
International Maritime Organization (IMO) number
Radio call sign and name of the craft
Dimensions
Type of craft
Antenna location data (from GNSS Glonass or GPS)

Data is transmitted every 6 minutes
Dynamic information

Location (latitude and longitude)
Time (UTC)
Age of information (how long ago it was updated)
True heading (relative to the ground), heading angle
True speed
Roll angle, trim
Pitch angle
Angular rate of turn
Navigation status (for example: Unable to steer or Limited ability to maneuver)

And other information from repeaters and sensors of electro-radio navigation devices and systems
Other information

Destination
Arrival time (ETA)
Vessel draft
Cargo information (cargo class\category)
Number of people on board
Messages for warning and safety of cargo transportation

The throughput of each channel is up to 2000 messages per minute.

Source wikipedia

MarineTraffic

This open, community project is designed to collect and present data that can be used in research such as:
- Study of maritime telecommunications regarding efficiency and propagation parameters
- Simulation of ship traffic to assist in the field of maritime safety and resolution of critical situations
- Interactive Information Systems design
- Design of databases that provide information in real time
- Statistical processing of port traffic using applications in operational research
- Development of applications for identifying sources of pollution
- Development of efficient algorithms for sea route and estimation to determine the estimated time of arrival of the vessel
- Correlation of the received information with meteorological data
- Cooperation with Institutes involved in environmental protection.
This project provides free, real-time information to the public about ship movements primarily along the coastlines of many countries around the world.
The project is currently being organized by the Department of Products and Systems Engineering, University of the Aegean, Greece.
Primary data collection is based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS).
There is a constant search for partners to work in the community.
They will have an AIS receiver installed and will be able to share their area data with others to cover as many destinations and ports around the world as possible.

The system is built on the basis of AIS (Automatic Identification System). Since December 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has required that every ship over 299 GT be equipped with an AIS transmitter, which transmits position, speed, course and various static information such as the ship's name, dimensions and flight details.

AIS was originally intended to help ships avoid collisions and also to assist port authorities to better management sea transportation.
The AIS transponder on board a vessel includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and a VHF transmitter that transmits data on the vessel's movement on two channels (frequencies 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz) and makes this data available to the public. Other vessels or base stations can receive this information and, using special software, display the vessel's location on a chartplotter or computer.

Typically, ships with an SAI receiver connected to external antenna, located 15 m above sea level, will receive information in the range of 15-20 nautical miles. Base station, located at a higher altitude, can extend the reception range to 40-60 nautical miles, even over mountains, depending on the terrain, antenna type, obstacles around the antenna and weather conditions. The most important factor is the height of the antenna. The higher the better. For example, an antenna located on a mountain at an altitude of 700 m can receive signals from ships at a distance of 200 nautical miles!
Base stations that reliably cover a range of 40 nautical miles can periodically receive signals from more distant ships.

The base station is equipped with a marine band antenna, an AIS receiver and a computer connected to the Internet.
The AIS device receives data, which is processed using simple software on a PC, and then this data is sent to a central database via a web service. Software is free for interested users, under the GNU license.
The data received by the AIS receiver is encoded into a single NMEA sentence (64-bit plain text).
Example: !AIVDM,1,1,B,1INS<8@P001cnWFEdSmh00bT0000,0*38
Messages include three main types:
1. Dynamic information - vessel position, speed, current position, course and rate of turn.
2. Static information - vessel name, IMO number, MMSI, dimensions.
3. Special information - purpose, ETA and projects.

The central database receives and processes a large amount of data, and stores the most important parts of it. It also includes port and area geographic information, photographs of the vessel and other information. The current positions of the vessel and/or track are displayed on the map using the Google map API.

The received data is loaded into the database in real time and, therefore, it is immediately highlighted on the map. However, some positions shown on the chart may not be constantly updated (for example, when a ship moves out of range). Vessel positions shown on the chart may be up to 1 hour out of date.

The MarineTraffic system only covers certain coastal areas where land-based AIS receiving base stations are installed.
Possible reasons why ship positions are not displayed on the map are as follows:
- The vessel is not equipped with an AIS transponder, the transponder does not work or does not work correctly;
- The vessel is in an area where there is no base AIS receiving station nearby;
- The transponder power is not sufficient for normal reception of signals by the ground station. The power of class A transponders is much lower than the power of class B transponders.
It also depends on the type and height of the antenna and the type of cable.
- AIS transponder is not configured correctly.

Map icons may be slow to display. This may be due to too many vessels being displayed, web technology, javascript and web browsers.
The Internet Explorer browser (especially version 6 and older) is very ineffective in web applications of this kind.
The following browsers show significantly better performance and we suggest using one of them: Opera, Chrome, Firefox.

The system can receive the positions of vessels that have not yet transmitted static information (name, dimensions, etc.) This happens because static vessels transmit information less frequently. In this case, instead of the vessel's name, its MMSI will be displayed (for example, 239923000). There is also a small possibility of incorrect or corrupted data recording. This occurs due to the following reasons:
a) malfunction of the vessel’s AIS transponder
b) Global Positioning System (GPS) error and
c) failure of the ship's crew to correctly configure the information transmitted by the AIS transponder (this refers to static information, such as ship name, type and dimensions, as well as destination and estimated time of arrival).

The system is based solely on information received from ships transmitted by their AIS transponder.
Therefore, correct configuration of the AIS transponder by the crew is very important! In particular, the person who is responsible for operating the AIS transponder can greatly assist in the correct presentation of vessel information by taking care of the following:
a) Correct updating and verification of Static Information that is recorded in the AIS block. These include: vessel name, vessel type, vessel dimensions, IMO, MMSI number, AIS device relative position.
b) Properly updating Travel Information, i.e. destination, ETA and draft, before commencement of each voyage. If this information is correct, the vessel will appear in "Expected Arrival" for each port and an estimated arrival time will be provided for all parties involved. One port should be entered each time, and any additional information (such as country or multiple ports) should be avoided.

Moving ships are displayed as ship icons. Vessels that are not moving or moving at a speed of less than 0.5 knots, are anchored or moored are displayed as squares.
Ship icons and tracks are colored according to their type (cargo, tanker, passenger, etc.)

The MarineTraffic system can be expanded to cover any area around the world. You can independently install an antenna, an AIS receiver, connect it to a computer connected to the Internet and start sending data immediately. You will immediately see on the map the vessels that were received by your receiver. For those who wish to have their area covered on the map, an acknowledgment on the main site, links to a company or personal site, or any other links upon request are included.

If you have a private sailboat that is within MarineTraffic's coverage area, you can install an AIS transponder on board to record your position on a map in real time. Installing an AIS transponder on small boats is optional and you are permitted to use a CLASS “B” transponder. CLASS "B" is cheaper than CLASS "A". CLASS B transponders are intended for ships with a displacement of less than 300GT. Price from 700 to 2000 euros.
Additionally, you can use the iAIS app on your smartphone (iPhone/iPad or Android) on board to report your vessel's position directly to MarineTraffic, without having to operate an AIS transponder.
There are at least 5 different methods for submitting your own position in MarineTraffic.

We present to you a unique map with which you can find the location of any ship in the world's oceans, as well as determine the direction of its movement.

The technology behind the card relies on a network of satellites capable of receiving encrypted Automatic Identification System, or AIS, signals. This system was developed specifically for civil navigation and is an encrypted signal transmitted by the ship into orbit. The signal contains basic information not only about the direction of movement of the vessel, but also key data about it - name, type, speed, cargo, destination port, etc. Information received by satellites is transmitted to the ground, where it is automatically processed.

The result of this processing was embodied in an interactive map of vessel movements, which can be seen below.

Interactive map of maritime traffic

Search for a ship by its name

The map is accompanied by a legend, thanks to which you can determine the type of ship being monitored. Similar data can be obtained by clicking on its icon on the map. You can monitor the movement of ships both in satellite mode and in the mode of overlaying a real image. In addition, knowing the name of the ship, you can find it on the map. To do this, you must enter the name in the appropriate field in English. If everything is done correctly, the map itself will be centered on the selected ship.
Video instructions for finding ships on the map

Map update

Almost all data shown on the map is updated in real time. It is worth remembering that the speed of movement of a ship on the open sea is relatively low, so if it seems that the ship is not moving, then perhaps you should just wait. However, this may not be the only reason for the ship’s “freezing” - the AIS satellite network still has “white spots” in the world’s oceans, into which ships periodically fall. In this case, you just need to wait until the ship can communicate with satellites again - its location will be updated.

AIS (AIS Automatic Identification System) is a system that allows you to identify and track online vessel movement with an accuracy of up to 10 meters. Besides AIS vessel locations provides information about their type, dimensions, destination, speed, expected time of arrival, and makes it possible to familiarize yourself with the history of routes and the expected course. The specified information is presented in a card, to open which you need to click on the object of interest. Online access to ships' AIS provided directly by ships using a radio frequency transmitter. Some ships or ports may not be viewable due to range limitations, interference, or weather conditions affecting radio communications. If " marine traffic” does not display the object you want, please try again later.

Real-time vessel traffic map covers the whole world and provides the user with the opportunity to see their arrangement in various ports and areas of the world. To find ships in other regions and ports, you need to zoom out on the map and select the desired sector.

The Answer-Logistic portal focuses on the current movement and positions of vessels according to AIS in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland and the port of St. Petersburg. Note that ship deployment displayed with a slight delay. You can find out the time that has passed since the last coordinate update by hovering the cursor over an object.

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