Fact or Fiction: Do All Boats Show as AIS Targets on Radar?
Captain Kelly Gordon dispels the common misconception that all boats appear as AIS targets on marine radar screens. While AIS transmits vessel identity, position, course, and speed, not all vessels carry AIS transponders, meaning radar can display targets that have no associated AIS data. Gordon urges mariners to supplement technology with direct visual observation to navigate safely.
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Key takeaways
Not all vessels are equipped with AIS, so radar targets without AIS triangles can still represent real hazards.
Radar detects non-AIS objects including boats, landmasses, and structures—not just AIS-equipped vessels.
Over-reliance on AIS technology is risky; direct visual observation remains essential for maritime safety.
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In this latest episode of Icom's "Fact or Fiction," Captain Kelly Gordon tackles a common misconception about marine radar systems: Do all boats show up on radar as AIS (Automatic Identification System) targets?
Many believe every vessel on the water appears as those distinctive little triangles on radar screens, representing AIS targets. However, Captain Gordon clarifies that this is a fiction. Not all boats come equipped with AIS. While AIS is prevalent, especially in newer vessels, assuming all radar targets have AIS can be a risky oversight.
Not all boats come equipped with AIS.
AIS systems transmit information such as the vessel's identity, position, course, and speed, making them invaluable for navigation and safety. However, radar picks up more than just AIS-equipped vessels. Objects like non-AIS boats, landmasses, and other structures can also appear on radar screens. Though not highlighted as AIS triangles, these targets are equally significant and could represent potential hazards.
Captain Gordon emphasizes the importance of not becoming overly reliant on technology. While AIS provides critical information and enhances safety by making vessels visible to each other, it is not infallible. Mariners must remain vigilant and use all available resources—including their own eyes—to navigate safely. "There's nothing better than a good old set of eyeballs to see what's in front of you," Gordon advised. Observing the environment directly, rather than solely through digital displays, remains crucial to maritime safety.
There's nothing better than a good old set of eyeballs to see what's in front of you.
— Captain Kelly Gordon
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About the author
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0hMUAFubbrX4EH7_ArYWg https://www.tiktok.com/@captain_kellyjgordon Captain Kelly J. Gordon, is an accomplished motor yacht captain whose start was far from the water as she grew up on a farm in small town Indiana. It was her drive to succeed, learn, and thirst for adventure that led her to a career in yachting. Her path into yachting was a unique one that started in Beaufort, North Carolina, where she now claims as home base, and has since allowed her to navigate many different seas. Kelly most certainly takes pride in her ability as a motor yacht captain, but also has a soft spot for the young adult and especially those that come with questions. As a former chemistry professor, Kelly loves to teach and it is certain that she will always find a moment, or many, to share what she knows with others and looks to encourage and inspire those that dream of a career in the yachting industry.
