How Do Satellite Credits Work on MarineRadar?
MarineRadar vessel users may have come across satellite credits. It is important to know what they are, how they work, and how to avoid them. Satellite credits are primarily needed to track ships using satellite imagery.
Let’s explain everything in the simplest terms possible to make it easier for everyone, even beginners, to understand.
What Are Satellite Credits?
Satellite credits are like little tokens that help you keep track of ships that are far away in the ocean.
You could think of it this way:
Normal tracking means no traffic.
Tracking by satellite = toll road
You only use credits when the system needs satellites to locate ships.
Why Do Satellite Credits Exist?
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) lets ships send signals. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) sets rules requiring many ships to use AIS, a worldwide tracking system.
There are now two ways to get these signals:
- Coastal Tracking (No Credits Required)
- Uses towers on land
- Works close to ports and coasts
- Quick and free
- Tracking Satellites (Credits Used)
- Uses satellites that are in space
- Works in the ocean’s depths
- Costs more to run
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development discussed global shipping infrastructure, including satellite-based monitoring and other systems for tracking ships worldwide.
How Do Satellite Credits Work?
You can easily understand how satellite credits work in MarineRadar and how you can view them by following the simple steps below.
Step 1: You search for a ship.
You open MarineRadar and search for a ship.
Step 2: System Checks Location
- If the ship is near land → uses free coastal data
- If the ship is in the deep sea → uses satellite data
Step 3: Credits Are Used
If satellite data is needed: A small number of satellite credits are used
Step 4: You See the Ship
The app shows:
- Ship location
- Movement
- Details
When do satellite credits get used and not used?
Satellite credits are used when:
- Tracking ships in the middle of the ocean
- Viewing remote areas
- Accessing premium real-time data
Credits are NOT used when:
- Tracking ships near coastal areas
- Viewing ships near ports
- Using basic tracking features
Why Satellite Tracking Costs More
Satellite tracking is expensive because
- Satellites are costly to launch and maintain
- Data transmission from space costs money
- Global coverage requires advanced systems
The complexity and cost of global maritime data systems are highlighted in shipping technology insights from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
How to Avoid Using Satellite Credits
Now, the most important part is to avoid using satellite credits to track ships.
- Keep an eye on ships that are close to shore.
Ships that are close to land use free AIS towers. So no credits are needed
- Don’t search in the deep ocean
If you look for ships far out at sea, satellite imagery will be used.
- Use the Basic Map View
More data may be needed for advanced features. Stay with simple tracking
- Look Before You Click
Check whether a ship is in the deep sea or close to land before opening it.
- Limit the number of times you search
More credit is given when you track the deep sea repeatedly.
Ways to Save Your Credits
Here’s a simple trick to save your credits and use them wisely:
- Use coastal tracking most of the time
- Use satellite tracking only when needed.
This helps you:
- Save credits
- Use them wisely
- Avoid unnecessary usage
For Instance
Let’s make it super simple.
Example 1: Ship Near Port
- Located near land
- Uses AIS towers
- No credits used
Example 2: Ship in the Middle of the Ocean
- No towers nearby
- Satellite needed
- Credits used
Common Mistakes People Make with Satellite Credits
Sometimes users make mistakes due to confusion. Here are a few mistakes users made.
Tracking Every Ship in the Deep Sea
Uses credits quickly
Not Understanding Map Location
Leads to unexpected credit usage
Using Advanced Features Unnecessarily
May consume more credits
Are Satellite Credits Worth It?
Yes. If you need
- Global ship tracking
- Deep-sea visibility
- Professional-level data
But if you only track ships casually, you can avoid using them most of the time.
Why Does MarineRadar Use This System?
MarineRadar uses satellite credits to:
- Provide global coverage
- Maintain accurate tracking
- Support advanced features
Global ship-tracking systems rely on AIS and satellite integration to meet international maritime monitoring standards set by the International Maritime Organization.
Think of it like mobile data:
- Wi-Fi (coastal tracking) = free
- Mobile data (satellite tracking) = limited usage
Conclusion
At first, satellite credits may seem confusing. But you know now what they are, what they are used for, and how to stay away from them
The most important thing:
- Tracking along the coast is free.
- Deep-sea tracking costs credits.
You can use MarineRadar more wisely and save your credits now that you know this.
Download MarineRadar: Vessel Tracker from the Google Play Store or App Store today and experience real-time ship tracking.
FAQs
Q: What are satellite credits in MarineRadar?
They are tokens used to track ships via satellite in deep-sea areas.
Q: Do I always need satellite credits?
No, only when tracking ships far from land.
Q: How can I avoid using satellite credits?
Track ships near coastal areas and avoid deep ocean searches.
Q: Why does satellite tracking use credits?
Because satellite data is expensive to collect and process. (UNCTAD)
Q: Is satellite tracking more accurate?
It provides global coverage but may have slight delays compared to coastal tracking. (IMO)