Boost situational awareness with AIS.

Installing an AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder on your boat is a great way to enhance your situational awareness and improve safety, especially when navigating in congested waterways.

What does AIS do?

AIS transponders allow boats to track and identify other vessels in their area, as well as provide information about their position, speed, and direction of travel. This information can be crucial for avoiding collisions and navigating busy or congested waterways. AIS transponders with NMEA 2000 connectivity can be connected to a multi-function display where vessel traffic is overlaid on an electronic chart.

What kind of AIS does West Marine offer?

West Marine offers Class B AIS transponders, which are used primarily by smaller boats that are not required to carry a Class A AIS transponder, which is typically used by larger vessels. Class B AIS transponders operate on the same frequency as Class A AIS transponders, but with lower power and transmission rates.

What kind of antenna does AIS require?

AIS transponders transmit their information on a VHF radio signal and they require a VHF radio antenna to operate. For this reason, many AIS units include an antenna splitter, which enables them to share a VHF radio antenna with a VHF radio.

Is AIS degraded by rain clutter like radar?

No, it works the same in all weather.

What brands of AIS does West Marine offer?

West Marine sells AIS transponders manufactured by Garmin, Navico, Simrad, ACR Electronics and Raymarine.