If you don't have your own hardware for receiving AIS signals, you can apply for it from us to ensure coverage in your area. In this article, we explain the requirements that need to be met and how the entire process works. You will also find information about the station's installation here, which can help you plan the installation and be well-prepared.
What are the requirements for Priority Processing?
Location close to the coast, within a maximum of 10 km,
or a site that is very high above sea level.Direct line of sight to the water without obstruction by mountains or other obstacles.
Permanent power supply and internet connection are ensured.
Ability to install the antenna outdoors.
The area is not already covered by multiple stations.
What should you consider in advance?
Where will the station be installed?
How long should the antenna cable be?
Will you use Wi-Fi or a wired network?
Do you need any additional equipment for the installation of the station?
How to request an AIS Station
Log in to your MarineTraffic account and click on the following button to access the form:
The form that opens is intuitive and easy to fill out. To avoid any issues, complete all fields marked with a red asterisk. If you encounter any problems, please contact support. Below, we will explain each field in case anything is unclear.
Contact Details
Your name and email address will be automatically filled in if available. Please review these details and make any necessary changes to your account if something is incorrect.
First name and Last name(mandatory fields)
Enter your first name. This is important for shipping and the subsequent process. Provide the name of the person who will receive the equipment.
Choose Country Code (mandatory field)
Enter your country's dialing code. You can search for the country code using a + and the number or just the number. If you're unsure, search by the country name.
Phone Number (mandatory field)
Enter your phone number here. This is required for shipping and will be used by the shipping company delivering the station.
Shipping Address Details
For the station's shipment, we absolutely need your complete address. If it is not correctly provided, the package will not be delivered, and there will be issues with the delivery. Please carefully check what you have entered and fill out all the fields. The shipping address can be different from the station's final location.
Contact persons full name (mandatory field)
Enter the full name of the person who will receive the station. Sometimes, it is easier to send the station to a different location, and the package's recipient may differ from the actual partner. Otherwise, just enter your name again.
Address (mandatory field)
Enter your complete address here with street and house number or other necessary details. You do not need to provide the postal code, state, city, or country here; these will be asked in the following fields.
Postal code (mandatory field)
Enter your postal code or ZIP code here.
State - Province (mandatory field)
Indicate your state or province here.
City (mandatory field)
Enter the name of your city here.
Country (mandatory field)
Search for and select your country here.
Receiving Station Location
Here, you specify the location of your station, either by selecting it on the map or by entering the exact coordinates. Make sure the position is accurate, as it is crucial for evaluating your location. An incorrect position can easily lead to its rejection.
Map, Latitude, Longitude (mandatory field)
On the map, you can find the location using different map views and zoom levels and select it with a click on the map. This will automatically fill in the Latitude and Longitude fields. If you already know your coordinates, you can enter them directly into the fields in decimal degrees. Alternatively, you can switch to DMS (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds) using the toggle switch.
Elevation (m) above sea level (mandatory field)
Enter the elevation in meters above sea level here. If the station is located at the sea or open water, this corresponds to the height above sea level.
If the station is inland at a river or lake, the situation may differ as the water level in the area could be higher than the sea level.
Country (mandatory field)
Please enter the country where the station will be installed again. This may differ from the shipping address.
Installation Details
Constant power supply available
Check this box if you can ensure a continuous power supply and the device can be consistently powered. It is understood that power outages or network instability can occur.
Stable internet connection available
Check this box if you have a stable internet connection and can connect the station via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Internet connection type
Please specify the type of internet connection you have (DSL, fiber, mobile, satellite, or any other connection). This helps us assist you better in the process, especially if there are specific requirements or challenges.
I already have an AIS-compatible antenna that can be used
Check this box if you already have an antenna suitable for AIS reception that you can use, and that is not damaged. Otherwise, we will be happy to send you a complete set to ensure optimal reception. More information here.Installation Details
As described in the instructions, it is important to consider in advance what you need to complete the installation. For example, if you need a longer antenna or network cable. You can specify this here. Also, please provide details about the location where you will install the station, as this helps us better assess the site. Where will the antenna be installed? (Mast, roof, etc.) Where will the receiver be installed? Any information that highlights the uniqueness of your location is helpful and can be provided here.
Experience (mandatory field)
If you have technical experience and are comfortable with IT equipment, please indicate this here.
How did you find out about the free AIS receiver? (mandatory field)
Please indicate how you discovered us and found your way to us.
Once you have completed all fields, review your entries carefully. Correct and complete information helps us make a quick decision and reduces the need for follow-up questions. Confirm that you are not a robot and click on "Submit." If any fields are marked in red, please check your entries in those fields.
Now, it gets exciting, and the network team will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any further questions or issues, please feel free to contact our support.
What are the next steps?
Your request will now be reviewed by our network team, which may take some time. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you receive a rejection, please don’t be discouraged. We would like to send a station to everyone, but some regions are already extensively covered.
Consider whether you can make changes to make the location more suitable or if you have another place where you can install the station. If so, please submit a new request for the alternative location.
If everything is in order, the team will contact you and may ask additional questions if anything is missing or unclear. Once everything is confirmed, you will receive an agreement that you need to sign and return to us to continue the process.
We will send you the hardware free of charge and cover the shipping costs. However, in some cases, you may need to pay import fees, which we unfortunately cannot always control. Please contact us in this case and pay the fees in advance. We will handle everything else afterward.
If you do not receive a response for an extended period, please check your spam folder and contact us if necessary.
Local Sourcing
It may be more convenient to purchase the equipment locally to avoid expensive shipping costs and customs fees. If you have this option, please inform us about the available devices and their prices. We may be able to sponsor the purchase completely or partly.