What Is AIS? And Do I NEED AIS On MY Boat? | BoatUS

If you've looked into boat electronics recently, you've probably heard a lot about AIS, or Automatic Identification System. This technology interfaces with some VHF radios, chartplotters, and MFDs and allows you to see boat traffic around you and get further information, especially for commercial vessels. But the big question you are probably asking yourself is, "Do I need AIS on my boat?" BoatUS Magazine's Lenny Rudow explains what is AIS, what does AIS do, and hopefully you'll come away with the info you need to make the decision whether AIS is right for you. Learn more: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2017/june/do-you-really-need-ais NOTE: Beginning July 1, 2025, a new law that is part of the Port Authorities Amendment Bill, 2025, REQUIRES all foreign vessels in Bahamian waters to be equipped with AIS, ensure that the AIS is functioning properly, and ensure the system is turned on. This applies whether the foreign vessel is docked in the Bahamas, traversing the waters of the Bahamas, or passing through the Bahamas. Anyone not following this new law may be fined $1,000. https://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/BILLS/2025/2025-0041/2025-0041.pdf A special thank you to Jamie Gilman of Hylas Yachts (https://www.hylasyachts.com) and Greg Foxwell of Mid-Shore Electronics (https://www.mid-shore-electronics.com) for allowing us to film during the 2023 Bay Bridge Boat Show in Stevensville, Maryland. CHAPTERS 0:00 What is AIS? 0:12 What systems aboard your boat does AIS integrate with? 0:34 The difference between Class A and Class B AIS 0:56 What's the easiest way to get AIS on your boat? 1:23 What does AIS do? What does it look like on the screen? What information does it offer? 1:39 Using cellphone apps to receive AIS data 2:10 So do YOU need AIS on your boat? 2:37 Like and subscribe 🚩Enjoy this video? Become a BoatUS Member today to get 25+ valuable benefits including a subscription to award-winning BoatUS Magazine! https://boat.us/e/sy-join 🚩Visit the BoatUS Magazine website: https://www.boatus.com/Expert-Advice. BoatUS is the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters with more than half a million Members. We provide a diverse offering of services including marine insurance, on-the-water towing provided by TowBoatUS, the nation’s largest fleet, plus boat financing, graphics and lettering, representation for boaters on Capitol Hill, the award-winning BoatUS Magazine and much more. For more than 50 years, BoatUS has made boating safer, more affordable and more accessible. 🚩Download the FREE BoatUS App today to access NOAA marine weather, tides, exclusive Member discounts, and your BoatUS account. Assistance on the water has never been easier with TowBoatUS CONNECT in the BoatUS App — the fastest way to get a tow! https://boat.us/sy-app 🚩Connect with us: https://Facebook.com/BoatUS https://Twitter.com/BoatUS https://Instagram.com/BoatUS https://Tiktok.com/@boatusofficial https://Pinterest.com/BoatUS https://linkedin.com/company/boatus #boatus #navigation #boatingsafety #electronics #boating