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How can I get more updated vessels' positions?

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John Admin

All MarineTraffic users have free access to vessels' positions as recorded by our network of terrestrial AIS-receiving stations. However, the typical range of them is limited to a certain distance. Thus, if a vessel is sailing in a remote area she may appear to be Out of Range. Satellite-AIS comes as an ideal supplement in such cases.

In order to enable Satellite-AIS tracking, you may consider one of our Plans or a single service, depending on your business needs: 

  • the Sat Global Service will allow you to access the most recent satellite positions (depending on the version) for the global fleet

  • the Sat Flexible Service will allow you to get undelayed global coverage for the number of vessels you choose

  • the Professional Plan besides the numerous features included will allow you to track 1 Vessel of your choice via satellite

  • The Global besides the numerous features included will allow you to track up to 10 Vessel of your choice via satellite

Upon purchasing a SAT product, make sure to activate undelayed satellite tracking for the vessels of interest. Click here to learn how. 

Note: Satellite-AIS tracking may be less effective if the subject vessel is equipped with a Class B AIS transponder. Such units are smaller, simpler and lower cost compared to Class A transponders but their signal is weaker making it harder for satellites to pick-up AIS messages coming from them.

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