AIS Base Stations

A shore-based station that provides identity, time synchronization, and text messages, which report (message 4) every ten seconds and are identified by a 00MIDxxxxx MMSI. These stations can also transmit AIS ATON Reports (message 21) and Application Specific Messages (ASM, message 6 and message 8) for meteorological or hydrological information, marine safety information, etc. (see the IALA Application Specific Message Collection). The Coast Guard Light List maintains a list of U.S. stations that also act as AIS ATONs or transmit ASMs.

In the United States, these stations are solely operated by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in the Nationwide Automatic Identification System, a nationwide network that supports all USCG missions and is designed to enhance the Coast Guards maritime domain awareness of vessels operating in or approaching the nations waterways, ports, and infrastructure. This network, which comprises 130-plus base stations and 150-plus USACE inland stations, collects over 120 million AIS messages daily and shares information with other government agencies, industry, academia, and coastal planners.