tophatyachts.com

A friend of mine in the office is an avid yachtie - although he insists on sailing a Beneteau on time share for the same per year as it would cost to own a Top Hat.... but that's another story.

If you have an iPad or iPhone and don't want to shell out the hard earned for a complete AIS system, there is an iPad application that will show you where all the traffic is.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ship-fin ... 60636?mt=8

He uses it whilst travelling up and down the coast, and said it was great in low visibility to see what was around. At $7.50 if you have the tools already it's a good thing. I'll report further once I've tried it out.

It's not a transmitter, so if you want to be seen you still need the AIS transmitter, it's only for seeing other ships.

Michael

Michael,

There is a internet connection for AIS also. http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/

But be aware that after the highjackings started in the Indian Ocean the
plot you see may be around 2 hours old!

Not much help if a ship is doing 20+ Knots

Phillip.

I use Marine Traffic in Port Phillip and Bass Strait (when close enough for reception) and it is, at most, 2 minutes late - usually quicker.

Cheers,

Tom

Tom,

Are you doing that by radio or internet?

I use Shipfinder on my IPad, at max only a minute or so behind current time, but you need phone reception to get the info. Most the crowded shipping areas are near ports - locations with good reception. You can use patch leads & an external aerial to boost reception up to 40-70km offshore.

Rod

Just using my iPhone but the external antenna sounds like a good idea, thank's Rod.

Cheers,

Tom