Marine AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders are essential navigation and safety devices that enable vessels to broadcast and receive real-time information such as position, speed, course, and identity.
Designed for both commercial and recreational use, AIS transponders enhance situational awareness, support collision avoidance, and improve traffic monitoring in busy waterways.
Available in Class A and Class B configurations, these systems integrate seamlessly with chartplotters, radar, and onboard electronics, making them a critical component of modern marine communication and safety infrastructure.
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Filter by Vendor:
| Vendor | Product | Price | Class | Transmit Power | Integrated Splitter | Integrated GPS | WIFI | custom 6 | custom 7 | custom 8 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
EMTRAK | A200 |
$3,113.00
$3,459.00
|
A | 12.0 w | No | Yes | Yes | m | |||
|
EMTRAK | B923 |
$1,035.00
$1,150.00
|
B | 2.0 w | Yes | Yes | No | m | |||
|
EMTRAK | B953 |
$1,194.00
$1,327.00
|
B+ | 5.0 w | Yes | Yes | No | m | |||
|
EMTRAK | B954 |
$1,646.00
$1,829.00
|
B+ | 5.0 w | Yes | Yes | Yes | m | |||
|
GARMIN | AIS 800 | $1,379.99 | B+ | 5.0 w | Yes | Yes | No | m | |||
|
RAYMARINE | AIS700 | $1,732.99 | B+ | 5.0 w | Yes | Yes | No | m |
AIS Accessories
Actisense NGX-1-ISO Dual Gateway
$258.00
Em Trak Gps100 Antenna
$109.25
Simrad NSPL-500 SPLITTER
$420.99
AIS - FAQ
What Class of AIS do I need?
There are 3 classes to choose from:
Class A: This class of AIS is required on commercial vessels. It has the fastest communication rate, and a dedicated status screen.
Class B+: This class of AIS is the most suitable for pleasure craft. It transmits at 5W, and has a speedy communication rate. Class B+ is also referred to as SOTDMA.
Class B: Also suitable or pleasure craft. It has the same functionality as Class B+, however it transmits at a lesser 2W, and offers a slower transmit speed that can render it ineffective in crowded waters where many AIS transponders are competing for network bandwidth.
Do I need an external GPS antenna for my AIS?
All AIS Transponders require a GPS antenna that is separate from your navigation system's GPS antenna.
Class A AIS transponders do require an external GPS antenna, which is generally provided with purchase
Most Class B and B+ transponders offer a built-in GPS antenna which is suitable in most cases. However, if the boat is of metal construction, or if the mounting location of the AIS unit is somwhat obstructed by metal or electrical interference, then it is recommended to purchase an external GPS antenna to ensure the unit will always obtain a solid GPS fix.
Do I need a dedicated VHF antenna for my AIS?
Class A AIS Transponders should have a dedicated VHF antenna for AIS communications.
Most Class B AIS Transponders offer a VHF splitter, which allows a single VHF antenna to be shared by both your VHF radio and your AIS Transponder.
It is possible to equip your Class B AIS transponder with its own separate VHF antenna, but as rule this is not required. In most cases, there is no performance loss from sharing your VHF antenna using the provide splitter.
What is the difference between an AIS Transponder, and AIS Receive-Only?
An AIS Transponder continuously transmits your vessel's position information to others. Plus it continuously receives AIS target information from other vessels. Received AIS targets can be displayed on your chartplotter; navigation alerts and warnings can be generated based on movement of other vessels.
An AIS Receive-only device does NOT transmit your vessel's AIS information to others. So it is not a safety device.