What is the role of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) on vessels?

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is designed to enhance maritime safety by automatically broadcasting a vessel's position along with other critical navigational information. This system enables vessels to communicate essential data such as their location, course, speed, and destination to other vessels and coastal authorities. By doing so, AIS significantly improves situational awareness among ship operators, allowing them to make informed decisions to avoid collisions and ensure safe navigation.

The system operates continuously, providing real-time updates that can be used for tracking and monitoring ship movements. This is particularly vital in busy shipping lanes and environments where visibility may be compromised. Thus, the primary function of AIS directly supports the safe and efficient operation of maritime navigation.