FAQ & Glossary

An S-AIS (Satellite Automatic Identification System) is a type of satellite specifically designed to receive, process and transmit AIS data from ships at sea. Unlike traditional AIS systems based on ground stations, AIS satellites provide global coverage, including in remote or densely populated areas, and in international waters where terrestrial infrastructures are limited.

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AIS transmits several types of data essential for navigation and safety at sea.

• Dynamic data: updated frequently
• Static data: less frequently updated

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The coverage of an AIS satellite refers to its ability to capture signals emitted by vessels equipped with AIS transponders. With Kinéis S-AIS satellites, you benefit from 100% global coverage, regardless of where ships are navigating.

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AIS spoofing is a fraudulent technique that involves intentionally falsifying the messages sent by vessels. This falsification can be carried out through various methods...

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Dark Shipping refers to the practice where ships disable their tracking systems, such as the AIS (Automatic Identification System), to evade monitoring by maritime authorities. This can be done for various reasons, including fraud, piracy, or the illegal transport of goods.

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According to the international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations, AIS is mandatory for certain types of vessels, depending on their size and type:
Class A: Class A AIS transponders are required for all merchant ships over 300 gross tons engaged in international voyages, cargo ships over 500 gross tons not engaged in international voyages, as well as all passenger ships, regardless of their size.

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AIS transponder: Installed on board ships, the AIS transponder transmits and receives crucial information via the Automatic Identification System (AIS). It provides data such as a vessel's identity, position, speed and heading, thus enhancing maritime safety.

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The idea of an automated system for the exchange of maritime information emerged in the 1990s, following several discussions among maritime industry experts. These discussions revealed the need for a universal means of sharing essential data, such as the identity, position, speed, and course of vessels, to enhance safety at sea and improve maritime traffic management.

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The coverage of an AIS satellite refers to its ability to pick up signals from vessels equipped with AIS transponders. With Kinéis S-AIS satellites, you benefit from 100% global coverage, wherever your boats are sailing. Our satellite constellation ensures continuous, reliable monitoring of all maritime movements, even in remote or densely populated areas.

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NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) is an organization that sets standards for communication between marine electronic equipment. The most common format, NMEA 0183, enables devices such as GPS and AIS systems to share data in a standardized way. This includes essential information such as a vessel's position, speed and heading.

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MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is a unique 9-digit number assigned to each vessel equipped with a maritime communication system. This number uniquely identifies a vessel in maritime communication systems such as AIS and VHF, facilitating tracking and safety at sea.

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VHF (Very High Frequency) refers to a radio frequency band between 30 MHz and 300 MHz. It is widely used in maritime communications, particularly for VHF radio systems, enabling ships and coastal stations to exchange critical information.

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GPS (Global Positioning System): A dedicated satellite navigation system, developed and operated by the US government. It provides worldwide positioning, navigation and synchronization services.

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The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime communication system that enables ships to transmit and receive essential information on their position, course, speed and other relevant data. It uses VHF signals to enable ships and coast stations to locate each other and improve maritime safety. The system is particularly useful for collision avoidance, monitoring maritime traffic and collecting data for analysis.

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The IMO number is a unique 7-digit identifier assigned to each commercial vessel by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

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The Call Sign, or ship identifier, is a unique code assigned to each ship, used for radio communications and identification.

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Aids to Navigation (ATON) are visual or audible devices designed to assist maritime navigation by providing information about navigable waters.

Types: They include buoys, lighthouses, day marks, and sound signals.

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LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking) is a maritime monitoring system that allows for the identification and tracking of ships over long distances. It enables coastal states and maritime authorities to receive data on the positions of vessels, thereby enhancing maritime safety and traffic management.

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The NRI (Nominal Reporting Interval) is the standard time interval between data transmissions from a vessel in a tracking system, such as S-AIS.

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Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are systems that help manage and monitor vessel movements in busy waterways and ports. They use radar, satellite, and communication technologies to ensure safe navigation and prevent collisions.

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