RYA Day Skipper AIS Automatic Identification System

This City Sailing Day Skipper video explains the Automatic Identification System (AIS), including the key differences between Class A (SOLAS vessels) and Class B (non-SOLAS vessels). AIS has transformed safety at sea by allowing vessels to see and be seen electronically, particularly in busy shipping areas. In this video, we break down how AIS works, why you should consider having one onboard, and how to use it effectively. We also explore how AIS compares to radar, including the advantages and limitations of both systems, and demonstrate how to gather useful information about other vessels to improve situational awareness. This video is part of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Day Skipper Series and is also highly relevant for: RYA GMDSS Marine Radio Course RYA Sea Survival Course ⛵ What You’ll Learn: What AIS is and how it works Differences between Class A (SOLAS) and Class B AIS How AIS improves safety at sea AIS vs Radar – pros and cons How to identify and track vessels Free AIS tracking websites you can use 🌐 About City Sailing Professional sailing training and Yachtmaster instruction Paul – Yachtmaster Examiner Visit: www.citysailing.com ⚠️ Safety Note AIS is a powerful tool, but should always be used alongside proper lookout and other navigation methods. ⏱️ Video Timeline (Chapters) 00:00 Introduction to AIS 00:30 What is the Automatic Identification System? 01:20 Why AIS is Important for Safety 02:10 Class A (SOLAS) vs Class B Explained 03:30 What Information AIS Provides 04:30 How to Identify Other Vessels 05:40 AIS Display & Interpretation 06:40 AIS vs Radar – Key Differences 08:10 Advantages of AIS 09:00 Limitations of AIS 10:00 Free AIS Websites & Tools 11:00 Practical Use in Busy Shipping Areas 12:00 Summary & Key Takeaways