Automatic Identification System, also known as AIS, is a digital VHF radio-based transponder system that protects you from collisions with other vessels. It’s like digital radar with more precise position information. AIS uses GPS, VHF radio and digital processing to automatically communicate between vessels without any operator interaction.
There are two classes of AIS. Class A and Class B. Class A AIS devices are usually found are larger commercial vessels (65' or more) and transmits their position every 2-10 seconds depending on factors such as speed and/or course change and report static and voyage-related information every 6 minutes. Class A also has the ability to test message safety-related information.
Class B vessels AIS systems report every 3 minutes or less when at anchor. Class B also reports vessel's static data every 6 minutes, but not any voyage related information. They can receive safety-related text but cannot transmit them. Below are four of the best Class B units you can find on our website!
Garmin AIS 800 Blackbox Transceiver [010-02087-00]
Increase your situational awareness and confidence on the water with the Garmin AIS 800 transceiver. It has 5 watts of transmit power and provides faster position reporting than ever before¹. It transmits your vessel information to other AIS receivers in your area while it receives their AIS target data. Garmin AIS 800 has an internal VHF antenna splitter, which allows the VHF and AIS to share a single antenna. It includes a built-in GPS (with connector for optional external antenna) and integrates seamlessly into the Garmin onboard system. The transceiver features NMEA 2000 connectivity for easy integration with compatible chartplotters and multifunction displays. And it’s all packed into an easy-to-install black box unit with a small footprint.
Digital Yacht AIT5000 Class B+ 5W Transponder w/Splitter WiFi [ZDIGAIT5000]
Digital Yacht have introduced a new range of Class B+ AIS transponders. Class B+, a new standard, utilizes SOTDMA format transmissions which offer a 5W power output (2.5x more powerful than a regular Class B), a guaranteed time slot for transmission in busy traffic areas and faster update rates depending upon the speed of the vessel. It’s ideal for ocean sailors requiring the best possible performance and future proof satellite tracking applications, fast power boats and smaller non-mandated commercial vessels. It still inter-operates with existing Class B and Class A systems.
Furuno FA70 AIS Transceiver [FA70]
The FA70 AIS Transceiver has multiple ports for simple connection to your NavNet, AIS-capable Radar or Chart Plotter, or your favorite navigation software. AIS information such as vessel name and call sign, position, course, and speed are graphically presented, allowing you to monitor vessel traffic simply and easily. Both models are designed to work with nearly any VHF antenna, and a signal splitter is an available option that allows the unit to share your radio's VHF antenna, making installation simple. The FA-70 AIS receives the vessel name, call sign, position, COG, SOG, and other useful information from surrounding vessels. The FA-70 is a Class-B+ AIS that transmits your vessel information at higher power & faster rates than typical Class B units for added awareness. SOTDMA guarantees an AIS time slot allocation, making you visible in congested waters. The FA70 includes an internal GPS Receiver with differential (DGPS) capability, ensuring that you're transmitting the highest precision information.
Icom MA510TR AIS Transponder w/GPS Antenna [MA510TR]
The Class B AIS Transponder with GPS navigation function and NMEA 2000™-connectivity and receives both A and B AIS signals. With both A and B AIS signals, the range of detection increases safety. Leisure, fishing or cruising vessels can stay safe and informed on the open sea with this feature-packed transponder. The MA-510TR comes with a 4.3" color TFT LCD. The wide-viewing angle screen provides clear navigation details such as potential collision vessels marked as red, and registered friends marked as yellow. All vessels that are within 6NM CPA and 60 minutes TCPA from a vessel are put into a respective danger or friend list. The day-mode function allows visibility in direct sunlight. Night-mode provides optimal viewing brightness for comfortable operation.
