Automatic Identification System

It’s like GPS + radio + boat ID all combined into one system.

Think of AIS as “boat tracking for boats.”

Boats with AIS constantly broadcast:

  • Their position
  • Their speed
  • Their direction
  • Their boat name
  • Their MMSI number
  • Their boat type
  • Collision-avoidance data

Your Simrad takes that information and plots other boats on your map, just like a live marine radar — except all via radio data.

⭐ Two Types of AIS Equipment

There are only 2 types:

1. AIS Receiver (see boats)

  • You can see other AIS boats on your Simrad
  • You do NOT show up on their screens
  • No MMSI needed for this

2. AIS Transponder (see + be seen)

  • You see other AIS boats
  • Other boats AND the Coast Guard can see you
  • Requires an MMSI programmed into it
  • Requires an antenna

Most people on the ICW eventually get a Class B AIS transponder so they are visible in fog, at night, and around big ships.

⭐ How AIS Works With Simrad

Your Simrad GO series fully supports AIS.

When AIS data comes in:

  • Boats show up as icons on your chart
  • You can tap them to see name, speed, direction
  • The system warns you if collision risk exists (CPA/TCPA alarms)
  • Targets display just like radar overlays

AIS is one of the most important safety upgrades you can add, especially on the narrow, winding ICW.

⭐ How AIS Works With Your VHF Radio

Some VHF radios have AIS receivers built in (example: Standard Horizon GX2400, Icom M510 with add-on, Simrad RS40-B model).

These radios can:

  • Receive AIS targets
  • Output them to your Simrad over NMEA 2000
  • Show AIS targets on the VHF’s own tiny screen

Other VHF radios do not include AIS.
Many people choose:

Option A: VHF with built-in AIS
Option B: Separate AIS transponder box
Option C: Both

Your boat can use either setup.

⭐ Do you need AIS on the NC ICW?

Short answer: It’s extremely helpful.
Here’s why:

  • You see barges, ferries, tugs around bends
  • Other boats (especially big ones) can see YOU
  • Great for nighttime or fog
  • Helps the Coast Guard locate you faster
  • Very helpful if you become a charter captain

Even if you get just a receiver, you’ll see traffic around you.
If you get a transponder, tugs and commercial vessels will see you — huge safety boost.

⭐ What You Need to Add AIS to Your Boat

Here is the simplest breakdown:

Option 1: VHF radio with AIS built in

(cheapest, simplest wiring)

Examples:

  • Standard Horizon GX2400 (great and inexpensive)
  • Simrad RS40-B (includes AIS transponder)
  • Icom M510 + AIS add-on

Pros:

  • One device does VHF + DSC + AIS
  • Only one antenna needed
  • Easy install to NMEA 2000 → Simrad auto-detects it

Cons:

  • Not all models include broadcasting (some receive only)

Option 2: AIS Transponder Box

(ideal if you want other boats to see you)

Examples:

  • Simrad NAIS-500
  • Vesper Cortex (high-end)
  • Vesper XB-6000

Pros:

  • Best AIS performance
  • Full broadcast capabilities
  • Works with any VHF radio

Cons:

  • Slightly more wiring
  • Needs dedicated AIS antenna or splitter

⭐ What You’d Need to Install (Very Simple)

For a transponder setup:

  1. AIS transponder unit
  2. Antenna or antenna splitter
  3. NMEA 2000 cable to your Simrad
  4. MMSI programmed into AIS
  5. (Optional) GPS antenna (some units need it; some use NMEA 2000 GPS)

For a VHF with AIS built in:

  1. The VHF radio
  2. Plug into NMEA 2000 backbone
  3. Plug into power
  4. (Optional) Program MMSI (only if it’s a transponder)

Your Simrad will immediately show AIS boats once connected.

⭐ Cost Breakdown

Approximate:

  • AIS Receiver VHF: $250–$350
  • AIS Transponder VHF: $500–$700
  • AIS Transponder Box: $600–$900
  • Antenna splitter: $100–$200

You can start inexpensive and upgrade later.

⭐ Which Setup Is Best for YOU?

Based on:

  • You have a Simrad GO
  • You boat in the NC ICW
  • You want to eventually become a captain
  • You want safety for your family

The best setup is:

Simrad RS40-B (includes DSC + VHF + AIS transponder)

OR

Standard Horizon GX2400 (AIS receiver + DSC) if you only want to see boats and stay cheap.

Let me know your:

  • Budget
  • Whether you want to see boats only or also be seen
  • Whether you want AIS in the radio or a separate unit