Automatic ship identification system refers to a new navigation aid system applied to maritime safety and ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communication. It is usually composed of VHF communication machine, GPS locator and communication controller connected with ship-borne display and sensor, which can automatically exchange important information such as ship position, speed, heading, ship name and call sign. AIS installed on the ship sends these messages and also receives messages from other ships within VHF coverage, thus realizing automatic response.

In addition, as an open data transmission system, it can be connected with terminal equipment such as radar, ARPA, ECDIS, VTS and the Internet to form a maritime traffic control and monitoring network, which is an effective means to obtain traffic information without radar detection and can effectively reduce ship collision accidents.

The functions of authorized institutions include:

1, identify the ship;

2. Assist in tracking the target;

3. Simplify information exchange;

4. Provide other auxiliary information to avoid collision.

AIS can strengthen collision avoidance measures between ships, enhance the functions of ARPA radar, ship traffic management system and ship report, display visual information such as the course, route and name of all ships on electronic charts, improve the maritime communication function, provide voice and text communication methods with ships identified by AIS, enhance the overall awareness of ships, and make the maritime community enter the digital age.