Be The Captain · video

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

More from Be The Captain

31 Crew Sailed Into Hurricane Mitch. None Were Ever Found | The Tragic Story of SV FantomeAug 2026Declared Dead at Sea — Then They Came Back | The Rose-Noëlle StoryJul 2026My Final Video as Sailing ZingaroJul 2026The Brutal Truth About Cruising on a Budget & Surviving Storms at SeaJul 2026

From Be The Captain — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.