You can track ships during bad weather using MarineRadar. Even during storms, heavy rain, or strong winds, most vessels continue to transmit their location via the Automatic Identification System (AIS).
MarineRadar combines terrestrial AIS stations, satellite AIS coverage, and its new Weather Map feature to help users monitor ship positions, route changes, speed, and estimated arrival times (ETA) in near real time. Although severe weather may occasionally cause minor signal delays or force ships to change course, the tracking system continues to provide reliable vessel updates.
In this guide, you will learn how ship tracking works in storms, what affects tracking accuracy, and how to use MarineRadar effectively during bad weather.
Why Track Ships During Bad Weather?
There are many important reasons for tracking ships during bad weather. Ships transport nearly everything we use every day, from food and electronics to fuel and vehicles.
When storms develop, shipping companies don’t simply stop operations. Instead, captains carefully adjust routes, reduce speed, or wait in safer waters.
Tracking ships during bad weather helps users
- Monitoring vessel safety
- Checking port arrival delays
- Following cargo shipments
- Watching storm-route diversions
- Observing maritime traffic patterns
During storms, ships may slow down, change direction, or anchor temporarily. Therefore, tracking them becomes even more important.
Step-by-Step: How to Track Ships During Bad Weather
Following ships during storms is simple.
Step 1: Open MarineRadar
Open the MarineRadar website or mobile app. The live vessel map loads automatically.
Step 2: Turn On the Weather Map
Enable the new Weather Map layer.
You can now view:
- Weather systems
- Ship positions
- Ocean regions
- Storm movement
Viewing both together provides a much clearer picture of current maritime conditions.
Step 3: Search for a Ship
Use the search bar to find a vessel by:
- Ship name
- IMO number
- MMSI number
MarineRadar immediately zooms to the vessel.
Step 4: Open Vessel Details
Tap the ship icon.
You’ll see information, including:
- Current speed
- Course
- Heading
- Destination
- ETA
- Flag
- Ship type
- Last AIS update
Step 5: Compare Ship Movement With Weather
Observe how the ship behaves as the weather changes.
For example:
- Is the vessel slowing down?
- Has it changed direction?
- Is it sailing around the storm?
- Has the ETA increased?
The weather map helps explain these movements visually.
Step 6: Watch Route History
MarineRadar also allows users to replay previous vessel movements.
Track playback helps users compare the following:
- Original route
- Weather avoidance route
- Speed changes
- Anchoring periods
- Arrival delays
This is especially useful for researchers, logistics professionals, and maritime analysts.
How Does MarineRadar Track Ships During Storms?
MarineRadar uses AIS (Automatic Identification System) data. Ships transmit their position, speed, and direction through AIS signals.
These signals are received by:
- Coastal AIS stations (near shore)
- Satellite AIS systems (offshore tracking)
Ships can broadcast even in bad weather because AIS transmissions are automated. As a result, tracking stops when a storm begins.
MarineRadar’s Weather Map Makes Storm Tracking Easier
One of MarineRadar’s newest features is the Weather Map, which helps users understand how weather affects vessel movement.
Instead of viewing only ship positions, users can now compare vessel traffic with weather conditions on the same map.
The weather map helps users observe the following:
- Rain systems
- Wind conditions
- Storm activity
- Weather fronts
- Ocean conditions
- Vessel movement alongside changing weather
This makes it much easier to understand why ships
- Reduce speed
- Change direction
- Anchor temporarily
- Delay arrival
- Avoid certain sea areas
Rather than guessing why a ship suddenly changes course, users can often see the weather event influencing that decision.
How Does Weather Affect Ship Movement?
Weather influences ship operations more than many people realize.
Let’s look at the most common situations.
1. Heavy Rain
Heavy rain usually has only a small effect on AIS signals.
However, rain often reduces visibility for crews.
Captains may:
- Reduce speed
- Increase the following distance
- Adjust navigation
2. Strong Winds
Wind does not block AIS transmissions.
Instead, it affects the ship itself.
Strong winds may force vessels to
- Sail slower
- Change heading
- Choose safer routes
- Delay arrival
3. High Waves
Large waves create uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous sailing conditions.
Ships often:
- Reduce speed
- Change course
- Avoid rough sea areas
The weather map helps users understand these route changes.
4. Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
Large storms have the biggest impact.
Ships usually avoid sailing directly through dangerous weather.
MarineRadar often shows the following:
- Long route diversions
- Temporary anchoring
- ETA changes
- Reduced vessel speed
Does Bad Weather Affect AIS Tracking?
Yes, but usually only slightly.
Here’s how weather may impact tracking:
Heavy Rain
Very intense rainfall can weaken radio signals. Still, most AIS signals remain stable.
Strong Winds
Wind does not directly block AIS signals. However, it may cause ships to change speed or course, which you will notice on the map.
Storm Systems
Large storms may disrupt coastal receiving stations if infrastructure is affected. In such cases, satellite AIS helps maintain offshore visibility.
Overall, modern AIS systems are designed to function reliably, even during severe weather conditions.
MarineRadar Features That Help During Bad Weather
MarineRadar includes several tools that improve storm tracking.
Live AIS Tracking
Displays real-time vessel movement worldwide.
Satellite AIS Coverage
Tracks ships far from shore.
Weather Map
Shows weather conditions alongside vessel positions.
Route History
Replay previous voyages.
Vessel Details
View speed, destination, ETA, heading, and identification numbers.
Interactive Maps
Switch between:
- Standard Map
- Satellite Map
- Nautical Chart
- Weather Map
Each map offers a different perspective on ship movement.
Fleet Management
Save favourite vessels and monitor them together.
Alerts and Notifications
Receive updates about:
- Route changes
- ETA changes
- Vessel movement
- Position updates
These alerts become especially useful during severe weather.
Who Benefits From Weather Tracking?
MarineRadar serves many different users.
Shipping Companies
Monitor fleets during severe weather.
Port Authorities
Prepare for arrival delays.
Logistics Teams
Adjust delivery schedules.
Researchers
Study vessel behaviour during storms.
Cruise Enthusiasts
Follow cruise ship route changes.
Ship Spotters
Watch how different vessels navigate rough seas.
Why Do Ships Sometimes Stop During Storms?
Many users think a stationary ship means something has gone wrong.
Often, that’s not the case.
Ships may intentionally anchor while waiting for safer weather.
Common reasons include:
- Strong winds
- Port closure
- High waves
- Heavy traffic
- Pilot delays
On MarineRadar, anchored ships usually appear.
- Stationary
- Near protected waters
- Moving at a very low speed
This is a normal safety procedure.
Why Do Ships Sometimes Disappear?
Occasionally, users notice that a vessel temporarily disappears from the map.
Common reasons include:
- Temporary AIS transmission gaps
- Satellite refresh intervals
- Coastal receiver limitations
- Signal processing delays
- Weather-related communication interruptions
Most vessels reappear after the next AIS update.
MarineRadar also displays the most recent position, so users can see how recent the information is.
Offshore Tracking in Severe Weather
When ships sail far from land during storms, coastal AIS stations may not fully cover them. That is where satellite AIS becomes important.
Satellite systems collect AIS signals from space. Because of this, MarineRadar can continue displaying offshore vessels even during severe weather.
As a result, users can track ships across open oceans without interruption.
Tips for Accurate Ship Tracking During Storms
For the best experience:
- Refresh the map occasionally.
- Turn on the Weather Map layer.
- Compare speed changes.
- Watch ETA updates.
- Observe route deviations.
- Use satellite coverage for offshore vessels.
- Check the “Last Updated” timestamp.
- Replay previous routes using Route History.
Watching several ships in the same region also helps identify how different vessels respond to identical weather conditions.
MarineRadar Makes Weather Monitoring Simple
MarineRadar is designed for both beginners and maritime professionals.
Users can:
- Search ships instantly
- Switch map styles
- Enable weather overlays
- Monitor live AIS data
- Replay historical routes
- Export route videos
- Track favorite vessels
- Share vessel locations
Everything works together to create a complete picture of ship movement during changing weather conditions.
Conclusion
Tracking ships during bad weather is much easier today. With AIS technology, satellite coverage, and MarineRadar’s new weather map feature, users can track vessels almost anywhere in the world, even when storms disrupt normal operations.
Although rough weather may cause ships to slow down, change course, or temporarily anchor, MarineRadar continues to provide valuable information through live vessel positions, route history, weather overlays, ETA updates, and detailed ship profiles.
So whether you are monitoring cargo shipments, checking port delays, or simply watching maritime movement, MarineRadar helps you stay informed.
Download MarineRadar: Vessel Tracker from the Google Play Store or App Store today and experience real-time ship tracking.
FAQs
Can ships still be tracked during heavy storms?
Yes. Most commercial vessels continue transmitting AIS signals during storms, allowing MarineRadar to display their positions even in challenging weather.
Does bad weather stop AIS signals?
Usually not. Heavy rain or severe conditions may cause minor delays, but AIS systems continue operating in most situations.
Why do ships change routes during storms?
Captains often reroute vessels to avoid dangerous waves, strong winds, or tropical storms, improving safety for the crew, passengers, and cargo.
What is the MarineRadar Weather Map?
The weather map is a feature that displays weather conditions alongside live vessel positions, helping users understand how storms affect ship movements.
Can I replay a ship's movement after a storm?
Yes. MarineRadar’s Route History feature allows users to replay previous voyages, making it easier to analyze route changes, speed variations, and weather-related delays.
Track the ships behind the story
MarineRadar follows 112,000+ vessels with satellite positions every 5 minutes. Search by name, MMSI or IMO — free on iOS and Android.
