Static and dynamic vessel data
There are two categories of information transmitted by an AIS transceiver: static and dynamic data.
The vessel's dynamic data, which includes location, speed over ground (SOG) and course over ground (COG), is calculated automatically using the internal GPS receiver.
Static data is information about the vessel which must be programmed into the AIS transceiver. This includes:
- Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
- Vessel name
- Vessel call sign (if available)
- Vessel type
- Vessel dimensions
In most countries the operation of an AIS transceiver is included under the vessel's marine VHF licence provisions. The vessel on to which the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a current VHF radio-telephone licence which lists the AIS system, vessel Call Sign and MMSI number.
| An MMSI number is required in order for the AIS transceiver to operate. Please contact the relevant authority in your country for more information. Please see for Section 4.3 for assistance with configuring the MMSI number. |
The AIS transceiver transmits two types of information, static and dynamic data.
The dynamic data includes your vessels location, the speed over ground (SOG), and course over ground (COG).
Your static data is the information programmed into your AIS transceiver. this data includes:
- your Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI),
- your vessel's name,
- your call sign (if available),
- your vessel type, and
- the dimensions of your vessel.