Vessel tracking systems are a voluntary system in which vessels mount a tracking satellite device on the vessel so that their movements, course, speed etc. can be transmitted and analyzed from great distances – of great use in determining whether a ship or boat is in distress and or vectoring rescue assist actually in proximity to a casualty to them in a timely manner. Marine installation on vessel and buoys not only extend asset visibility to hard to reach ocean location but provide in effective means to data reporting used for weather, fishing, or scientific purpose. Ensuring efficient route planning for less fuel consumption, or to documents vehicle adherence to safety and security for insurance and legal purposes.
Vessel tracking systems are very useful for Vessel Traffic Services. A vessel traffic service (VTS) is a marine traffic monitoring system established by harbour or port authorities, similar to air traffic control for aircraft. Typical VTS systems use radar, closed-circuit television (CCTV), VHF radio-telephony, vessel tracker devices and automatic identification system to keep track of vessel movements and provide navigational safety in a limited geographical area.
