Enhance global ship tracking by deploying Roaming AIS stations:

MarineTraffic is dedicated to providing its clients with the best AIS network coverage. By sharing your data, you ensure uninterrupted visibility of your vessel's position while tracking surrounding activities.

Benefits for the crew:

Onboarding is a 3 step process. We recommend the following sequence:

First, you should register an account for your vessel on MarineTraffic. You should use the vessel's email address for this purpose. This offers several advantages, such as ensuring that the appropriate person on board is notified if the onboard data transmission stops.

Go to your station overview (My account > My stations). In the top left corner, you'll find the option "Register AIS station" Click on it to open the form.

When setting up the station, it is very important to specify the Vessel's name as the operator and add the vessel's MMSI. For coordinates, enter your current location. This ensures that the station is properly managed and easily located.

When the station is created, a network port is assigned to it. Your data will then be sent to this specific port using the MarineTraffic IP address (5.9.207.224) or DNS address (listener.marinetraffic.com). This information will be sent to the email address you provide.

You need to provide this destination (IP:PORT) to the ship's IT department, as communication needs to be allowed through the firewall.

More information about how to add your station can be found in the following article:

Once the account is set up, the implementation on board can proceed.

Here are 3 different ways of proceeding. Choose the one best suited to your vessel.

AIS serial output must be interfaced directly to the input terminals of the Serial-to-Ethernet device. The device will receive the serial data and send it to Marine Traffic's server via an Ethernet connection.

This solution's advantage is that it is dedicated to one task and maintenance-free after configuration. In case of a blackout, it will automatically start up and send data.

The IT department must provide the IP address to set in the device and where to connect the LAN cable.

You need to obtain the specific type and model listed below. The link provides instructions for configuring the device and tips on where to purchase it.

AIS serial output must be interfaced directly to the input terminals of the Serial-to-WiFi device. The device will receive the serial data and send it to Marine Traffic's server via the WiFi connection.

This solution's advantage is that it is dedicated to one task and maintenance-free after configuration. In case of a blackout, it will automatically start up and send data.

The IT department must provide the IP address to set in the device and where to connect the LAN cable.

It is wireless, and the configuration can be done using a mobile phone.

You need to obtain the specific type and model listed below. The link provides instructions for configuring the device and tips on where to purchase it.

AIS serial output must be interfaced using RS-422/RS-485 to a USB converter. The computer receives the data, and the software installed on the computer relays it to Marine Traffic’s server.

RS-422/RS-485 to a USB converter - plenty of such converters are available on the market. RS-422 and RS-485 standards can interface with the AIS serial output, so it does not matter which one you acquire. However, it is advised to use the converters with screw-in terminals; connecting the wires is more convenient.

Relay data using computer software - After ensuring the computer receives the AIS data, you can use the following software to relay that data:

If you need more info regarding your AIS transceiver, here are some of the most common models:

Here is an article with more details on connecting the AIS receiver to a computer:

Additionally, this article will help you identify the serial port after connecting the device to a computer.

Please ensure the safety of the ship at all times and only connect the AIS transponder if it can be done through standard procedures without impairing the device. Consult your vessel superintendent for advice on devices compatibility and compliance.

Once everything is connected and you have followed the appropriate instructions to set up your station and start sending data, you can check if the data is successfully reaching the MarineTraffic server.

To do this, ensure you are logged into your MarineTraffic account and open your AIS station page. You can find it in the overview here:

For more details about the station page and its statistics, refer to this guide:

On your AIS station page, you can verify if AIS data is being received by checking the station's statistics and status. Please note that it may take some time for the initial statistics to be generated, so if nothing appears immediately, wait a few minutes.

If no data is displayed, please check whether the converter/computer has an active internet connection or if there are network restrictions, such as a firewall blocking the transmission. In such cases, you need to allow this outgoing connection in the firewall. You will require the IP or DNS address and the port you received. For more details, visit:

If you encounter further issues or are unsure how to proceed, feel free to contact our support team or your ship's IT department depending on the topic. Please describe your problem in detail and include pictures of your setup. This will help us provide you with more effective assistance and tailored support for your needs.

The support should be provided as follows:

The ship's responsibility includes coordinating the connection between the AIS and the Converter/Computer, as well as receiving data. The ship's IT and technical department must be informed about the computer's AIS connection and the necessary software installation. They should also provide support and guidance on how to check the signal availability from the AIS through the serial to USB converter in the PC's software.

MarineTraffic's support will help ensure that the Converters are well configured. Also, if you have chosen option 2.c. MarineTraffic will be responsible for data flows from the computer’s software to the MarineTraffic server. Obviously, there is also everything related to your MarineTraffic account.