Vessel tracking systems

A vessel tracking system is a voluntary system in which vessels mount a global navigation satellite system device and a transmitter so that their position is transmitted automatically, allowing movements, course, and speed, to be analyzed from great distances. For example, the current position and other details of MV Viking Sea can be viewed given her IMO number: 9725421 or MMSI number: 258215000. The system is of great use in determining whether a vessel is in distress, and providing position information to allow assistance to be rendered quickly.

Technologies and components are discussed in the article on vessel monitoring systems (VMS), in the context of VMS for commercial fishing vessels.