How to Use the Marine Radar Ship Tracking App to Find Vessels by IMO, MMSI, or Name?
Using the Marine Radar app, we can get real-time details of any ship. This data can be accessed in the app using the vessel’s IMO (International Maritime Organization) number, MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity), or the ship’s name.
A ship tracking app like MarineRadar: Vessel Tracker makes this possible by allowing you to find any vessel quickly using these three key identifiers. It’s essential for logistics firms, maritime professionals, and fleet operators.
In this post, we’ll walk you through using the ship tracking app step by step, explain what each identifier means, and show you how to get live tracking from anywhere in the world.
What are IMO, MMSI & Name?
Although we are familiar with the three identifiers we use to obtain vessel details, it is essential to understand what they are. But only then can we effectively understand a ship’s real-time status in the app.
Here’s what it is.
- IMO number: A unique, permanent seven-digit number assigned to a vessel when built. It remains unchanged even if the ship is renamed or reflagged.
- MMSI number: A nine-digit code used for radio/AIS (Automatic Identification System) transmissions. It’s linked to the vessel’s AIS transponder and useful for live tracking.
- Vessel name: The human-readable ship name. While easy to remember, names can be shared (multiple ships with the same name), so confirming with IMO/MMSI is wise.
How to Track a Ship by Using IMO, MMSI, or Name?
Below is a step-by-step process for tracking a vessel using IMO, MMSI, or ship name.
- Install & Open the App: Download MarineRadar from the Google Play Store (see the official listing) and run it.
- Search by Identifier: Tap the search bar and enter either the IMO, the MMSI, or the vessel’s name.
- If you have the IMO, type it for the most accurate single result.
- If you only have the MMSI, use that to find the live broadcast track.
- If you only know the name, type it, then verify by cross-checking the flag, size, or IMO in the result.
- Select the Vessel: Tap the correct result to open its complete profile.
- View the Details: The profile shows:
- Overview (ship type, flag, operator)
- Current Position (latitude, longitude, speed, heading, last-update timestamp)
- Voyage Info (origin, destination, ETA)
- Route History (past track playback).
- Use Map & Layers: Zoom in on the live map, apply filters (such as vessel type) and layers (including satellite view and AIS coverage), and view the route trace.
- Add to Fleet / Set Alerts: Save the vessel to “My Fleet” and set push notifications for key events like “arrival,” “departure,” or “course change.”
- Troubleshoot: If your vessel doesn’t appear, maybe AIS is off, you used the wrong identifier, or the ship is outside terrestrial AIS range (satellite AIS may show the last known position).
Why use a ship tracking app that supports IMO, MMSI, or ship names?
Using IMO for accuracy, MMSI for live data, or Name for convenience ensures you capture different search scenarios. The MarineRadar app integrates AIS positioning, satellite & terrestrial networks, and an intuitive mobile UI to deliver live data worldwide.
For logistics managers, the ability to track fleets in real-time supports operational efficiency; for ship spotters, the same system makes maritime observation an exciting experience.
What are the best practices and tips for tracking your vessel?
The blog discusses the best ways to track your vessel on the Marine Radar App. Here are some of the most effective benefits and tips.
- Prefer IMO when available (highest value for accuracy).
- Use MMSI for up-to-date live signals.
- If only the vessel name is known, always check the IMO or MMSI inside the profile to avoid confusion.
- Set up fleets and alerts to monitor several vessels, save time, and stay notified.
- Bear in mind coverage limitations: some remote seas may rely solely on satellite AIS and have slightly delayed updates.
Conclusion
Tracking a vessel in real time is not difficult today. With apps like MarineRadar, anyone can find a ship by IMO, MMSI, or name and access live position, voyage, and ownership data from anywhere.
Download MarineRadar: Vessel Tracker from Google Play or the App Store today and experience real-time ship tracking.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between IMO and MMSI numbers?
The IMO number is a unique, permanent ID assigned to each ship, while the MMSI number is for radio and AIS transmissions.
Q: Why should I use IMO or MMSI instead of the ship name?
Since multiple ships can share the same name, using IMO or MMSI ensures you find the exact vessel you’re looking for.
Q: How accurate is real-time vessel tracking in the app?
The app shows near-real-time positions updated through AIS signals. Accuracy depends on satellite coverage and the frequency of AIS updates.
Q: What if I only know the vessel name?
A: Use the name search, then verify the IMO or MMSI in the result to ensure you have the correct target.
Q: Can I track ships anywhere in the world?
Yes. MarineRadar combines satellite and terrestrial AIS coverage, allowing users to track vessels globally.
