Why Does Incorrect Vessel Speed Happen on MarineRadar?
When you track a ship on MarineRadar, you usually expect the speed and direction to be accurate. However, at times, the vessel may appear to move too fast, too slow, or even in the wrong direction.
Incorrect vessel speed is a common concern for many users, but there are clear, logical reasons for it.
What Causes MarineRadar to Display Incorrect Vessel Speed?
Several factors contribute to incorrect vessel speed. Most of the time, these issues are not technical errors but the usual limitations of live tracking systems.
1. AIS Update Delays
First of all, AIS does not update continuously.
- Fast-moving vessels send updates more often.
- Slow or anchored ships transmit less frequently.
MarineRadar may therefore display an older speed value until a fresh signal is received. During that gap, the vessel may have already changed speed, making the displayed data appear incorrect.
2. Sudden Speed Changes by the Vessel
Ships don’t always move at a steady pace.
For example:
- Cargo ships slow down near ports
- Tankers reduce speed in traffic zones.
- Cruise ships adjust speed due to weather.
When a vessel suddenly changes speed, the radar may still display the previous value for a short time. As a result, incorrect vessel speed appears temporarily.
3. GPS Signal Fluctuations
AIS data depends heavily on GPS accuracy.
Sometimes:
- GPS signals drift slightly
- Satellite connections weaken
- Calculations of position temporarily change.
Speed calculations that depend on position movement may be affected by this. Although the error is usually small, it can still look noticeable on the map.
4. Vessel Status: Anchored or Drifting
Another essential factor is vessel status.
If a ship is
- Anchored but drifting slowly
- Waiting offshore
- Moving due to currents or wind
MarineRadar may show unusual speed or direction values. In reality, the ship isn’t actively sailing; it’s just drifting naturally.
5. Course vs Heading Confusion
This is something many users don’t realize.
- The heading shows where the ship’s bow is pointing.
- The course shows where the ship is actually moving.
When wind, waves, or currents push a vessel sideways, heading and course can differ. This makes direction arrows appear incorrect even though the data itself is accurate.
Why Do Directions Sometimes Look Wrong?
Similar to speed, movement patterns and update timing also affect direction.
For instance:
- Ships turning slowly may show delayed direction updates
- Vessels maneuvering in ports change direction frequently.
- Tight waterways cause zigzag movements.
Because MarineRadar displays the most recent AIS data, slight direction mismatches can appear until the next update arrives.
How Does the MarineRadar Display Vessel Speed and Direction?
MarineRadar apps rely on AIS (Automatic Identification System) data. Each vessel sends AIS signals that include
- Current speed
- Heading and course
- Position coordinates
- Vessel type and status
MarineRadar collects this information from satellites and coastal receivers, then displays it on a live map. However, because this data is transmitted at intervals, speed and direction aren’t continually updated instantly.
How Does MarineRadar Minimize Incorrect Vessel Speed?
MarineRadar is designed to maximize accuracy. Its features help users understand whether data is live or slightly delayed.
The app:
- Continuously refreshes AIS feeds
- Updates vessel movement with each new signal
- Displays “last updated” timestamps
- Smooths vessel paths when data resumes
How Can Users Read Speed Data More Accurately?
To avoid confusion, follow these simple tips:
- Always check the last update time
- Observe vessel movement over several minutes.
- Avoid relying on a single data point.
- Zoom out to view the vessel’s overall route.
Conclusion
Seeing incorrect vessel speed on MarineRadar can be surprising, but it’s rarely a problem with the app itself. Instead, it reflects how ships move and how AIS data is transmitted across vast oceans.
Once you understand the reasons behind these minor inaccuracies, MarineRadar becomes a strong and reliable tool for vessel tracking.
Download MarineRadar: Vessel Tracker from the Google Play Store or App Store today and experience real-time ship tracking.
FAQs
Q: Why does MarineRadar show a sudden increase in a vessel’s speed?
This usually happens due to delayed AIS updates or sudden speed changes by the vessel.
Q: Is incorrect vessel speed a tracking error?
Usually not. Update intervals, GPS drift, or vessel behavior frequently cause it.
Q: How often does MarineRadar correct speed data?
Speed updates refresh whenever a new AIS signal is received, and the frequency varies by vessel speed and status.
