Marine Automated Identification System (AIS ) is explained by Doug in this interview. He talks about how it may help you be safer in your offshore boating.
AIS is a real time mesh network technology which provides constantly updated data on the identity and movement of vessels and other marine objects.
The AIS device uses positioning technologies such as GPS, GLONASS or COMPASS to calculate dynamic data on the position and movement of the vessel, which is instantly fused with static data identifying the vessel on which it is located.
This information is broadcast on defined radio frequencies whilst simultaneously receiving similar messages from other AIS devices within range. This provides each AIS device with a constant feed of real time information on the surrounding marine domain.