Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our maritime intelligence solutions, data coverage, and platform capabilities.

Everything you need to know

Find answers to the most common questions asked by our users. If you wish to learn more about BigOceanData’s suite of AIS data solutions, book a FREE demonstration.

Data & Coverage

The network of AIS-receiving stations receives a huge amount of information from across the globe. The network is constantly expanding, and some areas are covered by multiple stations, both terrestrial and satellite.

When coverage overlaps, data is filtered to one position report per MMSI per minute to manage the amount of information. The server chooses the contact with the most recent network timestamp, or fastest report, on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

Vessel AIS transponders constantly transmit a stream of information, but not the vessel’s flag state. However, it is possible to determine where a vessel is registered by checking its MMSI number.

A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is a unique nine-digit reference number used to identify individual ships. This number is transmitted digitally over VHF radio and is included in AIS data.

The first three MMSI digits are known as Maritime Identification Digits (MID) and indicate the country of registration (e.g. 232-235 for the UK).

The first number is regional: 2 Europe; 3 North America, Central America and Caribbean; 4 Asia; 5 Oceania; 6 Africa; 7 South America. The next 2 digits are country-specific (e.g. 247 Italy, 205 Belgium).

Yes, some countries have more than one MID assigned to them. For example: 237, 239, 240, 241 all refer to Greece. Panama MIDs: 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 370, 371, 372, 373.

Additional MIDs are assigned to countries with a large number of vessels.

No. One of the main factors affecting the frequency of transmitted AIS data is the type of vessel AIS transponder (Class A or B).

For example, a Class A transponder on an anchored or moored vessel will transmit every 3 minutes. When sailing, the frequency increases to every 10 seconds (0-14 knots), then to every 6 seconds (0-14 knots). Above 23 knots the speed rises to every 2 seconds.

Class B transponders transmit every 3 minutes when stopped or sailing up to 2 knots, increasing to every 30 seconds when sailing faster than 2 knots.

Furthermore, the update frequency also depends on whether a terrestrial AIS-receiving station receives the AIS signal.

Vessels sailing in remote areas can only be tracked via satellite AIS, with coverage ranging from a few minutes to several hours. On average, Class-A AIS transponders send one position update per hour.

Your vessel must have an active AIS transponder that is transmitting in a terrestrial AIS station’s coverage area.

While owners of small private vessels can install an AIS transponder, it is optional. Class B transponders are cheaper than Class A models and are listed as a non-SOLAS compliant vessels (e.g. small leisure or fishing vessels, less than 300 GT).

Update your vessel’s details, including name, MMSI number etc as this will be displayed on AIS data.

Leave your AIS transponder turned on, and a terrestrial station should receive your first signal. This creates a new vessel record containing both dynamic and static info.

Platform & Features

BigOceanData is a comprehensive vessel tracking platform that delivers data from the global Automatic Identification System (AIS) network of more than 13,000 receivers. Data is supplied by terrestrial, satellite and roaming networks across nearly 200 countries.

Using this AIS data, BigOceanData’s dashboard provides real-time information on a vessel’s position, its details and voyage information.

Vessels periodically broadcast AIS information that is picked up by satellites and coastal receiving stations (if within range). AIS data is sent to a central server, where it is collected and displayed on BigOceanData’s platform.

Data is uploaded in real time, however, a vessel’s positions may not be refreshed if it is out of range. BigOceanData uses AIS from multiple sources to minimise grey areas.

Terrestrial-based AIS receivers do not cover 100% of the world’s oceans, so updates are provided by satellite AIS. If no data on a vessel’s position is received for 24 hours, the vessel is removed from the live map until new positional data is provided.

The vessel may not be equipped with an AIS transponder, or the transponder is not working.

Furthermore, the vessel could be in an area with no nearby AIS receiving station, or the vessel’s AIS Class B transponder is not powerful enough to reach a land-based station.

Perhaps the vessel’s AIS transponder is not configured to send the correct details of the ship.

Even with satellite-AIS enabled, it is possible that a vessel may not appear on the map. Busy sea routes with limited satellite reception may mean signals are limited or suffer interference.

Vessels equipped with Class B receivers can be missed by satellite AIS.

BigOceanData Vessel Tracking now offers an automatic gap filling service for areas where AIS coverage is poor (e.g. South China Sea) or unavailable.

Vessels equipped with Inmarsat C devices are pre-configured with the necessary Inmarsat DNID and Member Number to enable automatic Inmarsat C tracking when AIS positions are not being received.

To minimise Inmarsat costs, fleet managers will make the decision on the precise details.

Our Dynamic ETA calculator plots future routes to determine the most efficient passage. We capture all reported positions, course, current speed and distance to place (by place, location or unlocode mapping). Furthermore, our passage planning and waypoints give you a forecasted set of ETAs.

BOD Onboard is a low-bandwidth app that supplies data directly to the bridge of a vessel. This means the crew and shore-based users share a common operational platform.

Features include a cloud-based planner to share voyage plans with HQ for approval, and real-time voyage management (for stakeholders, charter operators, ports etc).

Understanding time zones is vital when dealing with vessels passing through the globe’s 24 different time zones. BigOceanData’s platform allows you to select your preferred time zone, such as UTC (Universal Coordinated Time), the port’s or vessel’s local time or the local time in your location.

The European Number of Identification (ENI) is a unique set of eight digits assigned to every vessel navigating Europe’s inland waters. The ENI is displayed on the hull and stays with the vessel for its entire service life (including the name changes).

ENIs are an AIS-transmitted value and can be viewed by clicking on a vessel’s details.

BigOceanData’s suite of powerful visualisation and business intelligence tools allows users to see the current CII status of vessels, and improve CII efficiency by modifying routes and changing speed.

Voyage plans and progress can be shared with stakeholders, showing that a voyage is CII compliant, meeting green targets in the supply chain.

In association with ABB Marine & Ports, a leading supplier of weather routing solutions, BigOceanData offers detailed analysis of vessel performance. This covers weather, sea states and speed ranges to produce highly efficient, weather-optimised voyage plans. Routes can be set to prioritise time, fuel consumption/cost or total voyage cost, while incorporating user-defined factors such as geographical no-go zones.

BigOceanData’s online portal allows detailed management of seaborne assets in particular zones. Ideal for commercial or conservation interests, the software enables accurate monitoring of vessels with post-operation analysis and reporting.

Integration & APIs

BigOceanData’s platform has a range of standard APIs that facilitate the display of specific maritime information, such as port entry/exit alerts, weather reports and vessel ETAs. These APIs add extra value to the raw AIS data.

We can design a cost-effective API method to meet your data requirements.

Support for iFrame services enables BigOceanData functionality to be embedded in third-party software. This provides users with seamless access to AIS data via a single sign-on.

Data is imported via bespoke APIs or directly into the platform by the customer. Clients can then receive bespoke tables, dashboards and reports.

BigOceanData’s dedicated maritime business intelligence platform, waveBI, enables third parties to access our data, and combine it with their own. This creates a powerful business intelligence tool, with data visualisation and modelling tools.

Typical waveBI customers include ship owners, ports and insurers who want to improve processes or design new products.

Compliance & Security

BigOceanData offers flexible and effective Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) monitoring and management.

There are 3 levels of service available:

Base: Noon report data is relayed directly to BigOceanData from vessels, integrated with other vessel activity and ocean environmental data to produce advisory CII management information.

Standard: Operational data from a customer’s fleet is integrated, via API, into the BigOceanData portal. Combined with other data, our platform shows accurate assessments of each vessel’s CII status.

Advanced: Vessel performance and position data is collected minute by minute and integrated into BigOceanData’s vessel activity and environmental datasets. Monitor real-time CII status.

The ISM is a mandatory International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standard, designed to ensure safe ship operations and pollution prevention. Shipping companies are required to have a Safety Management System (SMS) focusing on risk assessment, safety culture, emergency preparedness and vessel maintenance.

The ISM code is mandatory for passenger ships, high-speed craft, oil/chemical tankers, bulk carriers and mobile offshore units over 500GT.

Using BigOceanData shows real-time monitoring of vessel operations and environmental compliance. Key data can be used in audits.

BigOceanData can create bespoke APIs to supply data for cargo and container tracking. Insights can improve logistics operations while offering key metrics for industry compliance (i.e. miles travelled, carbon emissions).

Real-time vessel tracking means more precise delivery timings and supply chain transparency.