# Fact or Fiction: Do All Boats Show as AIS Targets on Radar?

By Kelly Gordon · Published 2024-07-12 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Professional AV on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/ais-targets-on-radar
Creator hub: Icom

> A common marine radar assumption could put captains at serious risk on the water

## Key points

- 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.

Block Field

In this latest episode of **Icom**'s "[Fact or Fiction](https://marketscale.com/shows/icom/)," [Captain Kelly Gordon](https://www.captainkellyjgordon.com/) 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](https://marketscale.com/industries/podcast-network/telecommunications/captain-kelly-details-some-facts-about-marine-vhf-radios-and-their-use-on-shore/) 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*

Tags: AIS systems, AIS targets, Captain Kelly Gordon, ICOM, navigation equipment

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