Understanding Ship Types on Marine Radar
When you open Marine Radar and look at the live map, you will notice many ships moving across the oceans. However, not all ships are the same. Some carry goods, some carry fuel, and others bring people. To make ship tracking simple, Marine Radar clearly shows different ship types using AIS data.
In this guide, you will learn what ship types mean, how marine radar identifies them, and why understanding them is helpful, even for beginners.
What Are Ship Types on Marine Radar?
Every vessel broadcasts its identity using AIS (Automatic Identification System) signals. Along with location and speed, these signals also include the ship type. Marine Radar receives this information and displays it on the live map.
Because of this system, users can quickly understand what kind of vessel they are tracking without needing expert knowledge.
Why Do Ship Types Matter?
Understanding ship types helps you determine what the vessel is doing. For example, a tanker moves differently from a cruise ship. Similarly, a fishing boat operates differently from a cargo ship.
Knowing the ship type can help with:
- Route prediction
- ETA understanding
- Safety awareness
- Maritime planning
Major Ship Types You’ll See on Marine Radar
Marine radar groups ships into clear categories. Below are the most common ship types you’ll see on the map.
1. Cargo Ships
Cargo ships carry goods like containers, food, vehicles, and machinery. These ships are usually large and travel between major ports. They are essential for global trade and are among the most tracked vessels.
On Marine Radar, cargo ships:
- Follow fixed routes
- Travel at steady speeds
- Have long voyages
2. Tanker Ships
Tankers carry liquids such as oil, gas, and chemicals. Because of their cargo, tankers follow strict routes and safety rules. These ships are vital to the global energy supply.
On Marine Radar, tanker ships:
- Move slowly and carefully
- Often dock at fuel terminals.
- Have clearly marked destinations
3. Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are floating hotels that carry passengers on vacations. They are easy to recognize because of their size and regular routes.
Using marine radar, cruise ships:
- Follow scheduled paths
- Visit popular ports
- Show clear ETA information.
4. Passenger Ferries
Ferries carry people and sometimes vehicles over short distances. They often travel between islands or coastal cities. They are commonly tracked in busy coastal areas.
On Marine Radar, ferries:
- Travel back and forth
- Have frequent departures
- Move on fixed schedules.
5. Fishing Vessels
Fishing boats vary in size and speed. Some stay close to shore, while others travel far into open waters. These patterns help users identify fishing activity.
In Marine Radar:
- Fishing vessels may stop often
- Routes can look irregular.
- Speeds change frequently
6. Pleasure Craft and Yachts
These include private boats and luxury yachts. They are smaller than commercial ships and often change routes. They are common near tourist locations.
On the map, pleasure craft:
- Move freely
- Dock at marinas
- Travel shorter distances
7. Military and Special Purpose Ships
Some vessels are marked as military, research, or rescue ships. However, not all military vessels share complete AIS data.
When visible, these ships:
- Follow unique routes
- May limit shared details
- Serve special missions
Marine Radar displays only the publicly available AIS data.
How to Check Ship Type in Marine Radar?
Finding a ship’s type is very simple:
- Open the Live Map
- Tap on any vessel
- View the Vessel Details panel.
- Look for the Ship Type field.
Along with ship type, you will also see speed, direction, destination, and ETA.
Why Are Ship Types So Popular Among Marine Radar Beginners?
Ship types make marine radar informative and educational. Because Marine Radar uses clear labels, learning happens naturally.
- Big ships carry goods.
- Cruise ships carry people.
- Fishing boats catch fish.
Conclusion
Marine Radar turns complex maritime data into something simple and enjoyable. By understanding ship types, you don’t just see moving dots; you understand real-world activity happening across the oceans.
No matter your experience level, knowing ship types helps you track smarter and learn faster.
Download Marine Radar: Vessel Tracker from the Google Play Store or App Store today and experience real-time ship tracking.
