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Using AIS offshore (PredictWind Masterclass 4/5)
4 March 2026 · 7 min · 4K views
Satellite orbits Earth, capturing vessel traffic from space.
What this video covers
James Evenson explains the integration of satellite-based AIS data into the PredictWind interface for offshore passage planning.▶ 2:32 Unlike traditional VHF-based AIS, which provides local, line-of-sight collision avoidance within 30 to 40 miles, satellite AIS offers over-the-horizon awareness of global vessel traffic.▶ 1:12 When connected via Starlink or other high-bandwidth internet, users can view global shipping patterns.▶ 3:26 In bandwidth-constrained offshore environments, the PredictWind app automatically filters this data to provide a relevant slice of traffic within a few hundred nautical miles.▶ 4:14 This allows sailors to identify shipping lanes and adjust passage timing to avoid traffic days in advance.▶ 4:28 The system complements, rather than replaces, a standard Type B AIS transceiver, which remains necessary for real-time, short-range collision avoidance.▶ 5:32 The data can be streamed to a chart plotter via a data hub for integrated navigation.▶ 4:55 The system also supports configurable alerts for weather thresholds and community-sourced local knowledge for anchoring and navigation.▶ 6:02 These tools prioritize strategic awareness to reduce cognitive load and prevent reactive decision-making.▶ 7:33
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