Boat Beacon AIS smartphone/tablet app.

If you haven't upgraded your VHF marine radio with Automatic Identification System (AIS) yet and are looking for an affordable way for your yacht to appear on global internet based AIS traffic sites like Marine Traffic, ShipFinder and AIS Hub, Boat Beacon by Pocket Mariner may be worth considering.

Boat Beacon is available for iPhone/iPad and Andriod smartphones and tablets.  It is specifically designed for use on the water, uniquely providing Bearing, Range and Closest Point of Approach (CPA) calculations in addition to all the standard AIS information.  Uses up to the second AIS feeds.  NB. Some free AIS apps don't update as frequently.

When your device is within cellular coverage range and when enabled, Boat Beacon will share your current position, status and ship details for other Boat Beacon users to view.  If you have an Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number set, then your boat will also be visible on the above global interent AIS traffic sites and their assocaited mobile applications.  Make sure you disable this feature when you leave your boat.

For more details of Features, requirements and limitations, see http://pocketmariner.com/boatbeacon/.

Boat Beacon is available now in the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad and in the Andriod Google Play Store for Android phones and tablets.

Please Note:

• Boat Beacon should NOT be used for navigation.
• Boat Beacon should not be relied upon to determine precise locations, proximity, distance, or direction or make navigational decisions.
• Boat Beacon is not an AIS VHF Transponder. Your boat will not show up on other Ship based VHF AIS systems (unless they are linked to a common Global AIS system).

For more information on AIS http://www.amsa.gov.au/navigation/services/ais/index.asp.

In Australia the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) allocates and issues Maritime Mobile Service Identity's (MMSI).  For more details, please refer to: http://www.amsa.gov.au/search-and-rescue/distress-and-safety-comms/mmsi/.

The ORCV will be conducting a trial of the Boat Beacon app with entrants in the ORCV 2015 Melbourne to Port Fairy race.