The Great Lakes are a major shipping route for all kinds of vessels, from massive cargo ships and tankers to recreational boats. Because of the high traffic on these important waterways, tracking ships in the Great Lakes is essential.
Ship tracking improves navigational safety and helps prevent collisions. It also helps monitor cargo and vessel movements, enhancing efficiency and security. Additionally, ship tracking plays a vital role in environmental protection and quick responses to accidents.
So, how do they do it? The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is the primary method, but mobile apps also offer a convenient way to track ships in the Great Lakes.
Understanding AIS and Ship Tracking Technology
The secret sauce behind modern ship tracking is a system called Automatic Identification System, or AIS.
What is AIS (Automatic Identification System)?
Think of AIS as a transponder system. Vessels equipped with AIS broadcast information about themselves – things like their ID, current location, direction, and speed – via VHF radio. This data is picked up by other ships, stations on shore, and even satellites orbiting overhead.
For many vessels, carrying an AIS transponder isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law. The SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention, along with regulations from bodies like the US Coast Guard for ships in US waters, mandate AIS for certain types of vessels.
How AIS data is used for ship tracking
AIS data is like having a real-time map of ship traffic. It gives you the ability to see where ships are, who they are, and what they’re doing at any given moment. This is a huge help in preventing collisions and generally keeping everyone aware of what’s happening on the water.
This data is gathered from shore-based and satellite-based AIS networks. It’s then displayed on online platforms and mobile apps, making it easy for anyone to track ships in the Great Lakes and beyond.
Mobile Apps for Ship Tracking on the Great Lakes
If you want to keep tabs on ships traveling the Great Lakes, there’s an app for that! Several, actually.
Popular ship tracking apps
One of the most widely used is the MarineTraffic app, which tracks ships, yachts, and other vessels all over the world using a vast network of AIS receivers and satellite tracking.
Other popular apps include VesselFinder and MyShipTracking. These apps provide similar functionality.
Key Features and Functionality
Here are some of the things you can do with these apps:
- See real-time vessel positions and information. You can usually find out a vessel’s name, type, speed, direction, and destination.
- Filter and search. You can search for specific vessels by name, MMSI, or IMO number and filter vessels by type, size, or flag state.
- Customize the map. You can view different map layers, including standard, satellite, and nautical charts. You can also customize how vessel information is displayed.
- Use augmented reality (AR). Some apps let you point your device’s camera at a vessel and identify it.
Benefits of using mobile apps for ship tracking
Mobile apps offer several advantages:
- Portability and convenience. You can track ships from anywhere.
- Real-time information on the go. You can get up-to-the-minute information about vessel locations and movements.
- Enhanced situational awareness. Boaters and maritime professionals can use these apps to improve their understanding of what’s happening on the water.
Using MarineTraffic for Great Lakes Navigation
MarineTraffic offers features that are particularly helpful on the Great Lakes.
Features
- Wind forecasts and weather conditions. Use weather maps and forecasts to plan your route.
- Port arrival and departure information. Get live data on arrivals and departures for more than 4,000 ports and marinas.
- Route planning and distance measurement. Plan your route, measure distances, and figure out when you’re likely to arrive.
User Experiences and Feedback
Sailors and boaters have given MarineTraffic positive reviews, saying it’s useful when navigating busy waterways, especially when visibility is poor. They also say it helps them steer clear of fast-moving commercial traffic.
The free trial has some limitations, though. Some users have mentioned that closing the app will lock certain features, requiring them to pay to unlock them again.
Subscription Plans and Pricing
MarineTraffic has several subscription options:
- Starter Plan: $9.99 per year
- Nautical Charts: $6.99 per month or $66.99 per year
- Weather Maps Layers: $8.99 per month or $95.99 per year
- Advanced Density Maps: $1.99 per month or $17.99 per year
How is ship tracking data used in the Great Lakes?
Real-time ship tracking data is a game-changer for commercial shipping, recreational boating, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
Commercial Shipping and Logistics
Shipping companies use ship tracking to:
- Optimize shipping routes and schedules
- Monitor cargo movement and delivery times
Recreational Boating and Sailing
Recreational boaters and sailors use ship tracking to:
- Enhance safety and awareness of other vessels
- Plan routes and steer clear of hazards
Environmental Monitoring and Response
Environmental agencies use ship tracking to:
- Track oil spills and pollution events
- Check that vessels are following environmental regulations
Search and Rescue Operations
Search and rescue teams use ship tracking to:
- Locate vessels in distress and coordinate rescue efforts
- Provide real-time information to rescue teams
Putting It All Together
Tracking ships on the Great Lakes is essential for safety, improving shipping efficiency, and protecting the environment. And mobile apps have made it easier than ever for anyone to follow ship traffic from their phones or tablets.
Ship tracking technology is only going to get better. In the future, we can expect to see more integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict potential problems, better satellite AIS coverage in remote areas, and improved ways to visualize and interact with ship tracking data.