I’m sure this is not a new thing, but I just found out about it, and I think it’s pretty neat!

  • Glitterbomb@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    ·
    4 days ago

    Well that’s a bit of confusion cleared up, thanks! I did actually notice I’d get some information and then a little later the name would show up too. I figured it was just bad reception missing the full message, but you’re saying they’re sent separately? I guess I’ll stop fiddling with my antenna

    The fact they just put their contact info for destination is hilarious to me. I should get a radio license.

    • neidu3@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      edit-2
      4 days ago

      Yeah, your antenna is fine. AIS contains more information than can be fit into a single packet, so it’s spread out over several. Every packet contains the MMSI of the ship, which you can use to link every packet together. If I remember correctly, there are three or so packet types. Position and speed is sent relatively often. And static info such as name and other info that doesn’t change a whole lot is sent much more infrequently.

      Maritime radio license is easy to get. An ROC which covers the basics is a day or two. It’s basically just a course on how to properly operate a VHF. GOC covers a lot more (telex, inmarsat, EPIRBs, etc) and basically certifies you as a radio operator for any ship. It takes about a week.