Why can’t other vessels see me using on their AIS system?

There are several reasons why other vessels might not see you on their AIS system, even if your AIS transponder appears to be functioning correctly. If your Comar Systems AIS transponder is not showing any Error or Timeout LEDs, it is likely transmitting your data properly. However, the issue often lies with the receiving systems used by other vessels.

Why Your Vessel Might Not Be Displayed on Other AIS Systems

Modern AIS transponders, including those from Comar Systems, send static data (such as vessel name and type) in a newer AIS message format called Type 24. This message format provides detailed information about your vessel but is not fully supported by some older AIS Class A units and display systems, including certain chart plotters. These older systems may not recognise or display the Type 24 message data.

Instead of seeing your vessel name or type, other vessels with unsupported systems will see your MMSI number along with dynamic data such as your position, course, and speed. While they can still detect your presence and track your movement, the lack of static data display might cause confusion for operators relying on older equipment.

How to Ensure Full Visibility on AIS Systems

• Upgrade Receiving Systems: If other vessels rely on older AIS receivers or chart plotters, encourage them to update their software or upgrade their equipment to support newer message types like Type 24. This ensures they can see all transmitted AIS data.
• Check Your AIS Transponder: While Comar Systems transponders are designed to operate out of the box, verify that your unit is configured and transmitting correctly by checking its LED indicators for errors.
• Verify Network Infrastructure: If you’re connected to a vessel monitoring system or a networked display, ensure the infrastructure supports the full AIS message suite, including static data.

By addressing these factors, you can help ensure your vessel is visible on AIS systems. Even if some older systems don’t display your vessel name, they can still track your position and movements via your MMSI number, ensuring safety and situational awareness on the water.