Automatic Identification Systems Service Companies

AIS (the Automatic Identification System) is a mandatory navigation tool on every commercial vessel of 300 GT and above on international voyages. It runs continuously and broadcasts a ship's identity, position, speed, and heading to surrounding vessels and shore-based authorities. 

While the equipment itself is well understood, keeping it accurate, compliant, and fully operational throughout a vessel's service life is a separate and equally important task. That's where professional AIS service providers come in. They handle everything from initial installation and commissioning through to annual surveys, fault repair, and software updates.

What AIS Servicing Actually Covers

AIS service covers a broader scope than many vessel operators expect. Under SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 18.9, every AIS unit must undergo an annual test by an approved surveyor or a certified servicing facility. This test verifies the correct programming of static ship data, confirms proper sensor data exchange, and measures radio frequency output. Incorrect static data – wrong vessel dimensions, an outdated MMSI, or a misconfigured transponder – can create real navigation hazards. 

This is why AIS service providers cover a wide range of tasks well beyond the annual survey itself:

• New equipment installation and system commissioning
• AIS transponder programming and MMSI configuration
• Antenna alignment and VHF signal performance testing
• Integration with ECDIS, radar, and bridge navigation systems
• Fault diagnosis and emergency on-board repair
• Firmware updates and software reconfiguration
• Pre-port state control checks and documentation support

A properly maintained AIS unit does more than satisfy a survey requirement, but ensures the data that other vessels and VTS centers rely on is accurate and trustworthy at all times.

Choosing the Right AIS Service Provider

Not every marine electronics technician holds the qualifications to sign off on an AIS annual inspection. The IMO requires surveys to be carried out by a qualified radio inspector who shall be authorized by the relevant flag state administration or a recognized classification society. When assessing automatic identification systems service providers, these are the criteria worth attention:

• Class society approval – the provider must hold valid authorization from the vessel's class society or flag state to conduct and certify AIS surveys
• Brand coverage – experienced service companies work across all major AIS manufacturers, including Furuno, JRC, Saab, Icom, Raymarine, Sailor, and Samyung
• Global port presence – a provider with international reach can schedule surveys at the vessel's next port of call with no disruption to operations
• Emergency response – for urgent faults, rapid mobilization and remote technical support matter as much as scheduled maintenance capability
• Documentation and reporting – test reports must be kept on board per SOLAS requirements; a reliable provider issues clear, complete records every time

At RecordsMarine, our team connects vessel operators with AIS service companies across major maritime regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AIS be serviced while the vessel is underway? 

Remote tasks – software updates, MMSI reprogramming, basic diagnostics – are possible at sea with remote technical support. Physical repairs, antenna work, and formal annual survey certification require a technician on board and are best scheduled at a port call.

What documents should the vessel have ready before an AIS service visit? 

The technician will typically need the vessel's Radio License, the previous AIS test report, the equipment manual, and the current voyage data. Having these ready speeds up the survey and reduces time.

What happens if AIS data is found to be incorrectly programmed during a service visit? 

The technician corrects the relevant data fields, re-tests the unit, and reissues the report on the spot. Vessels with incorrect AIS data found during a port state control inspection may face deficiency findings or detentions.

Find Automatic Identification Systems Service Company Near You

A qualified technician is already operational near your next port of call. Browse our verified directory below to identify and contact class-approved AIS service providers across key maritime hubs worldwide.