AIS app for a android phone

[Trop Cher]

On another thread, there is mention of an AIS app for phones, I was unware of this app. I've googled and see that there seems to be several available. I'm thinking of getting one mainly for fun and for the family to follow the boat about.
Anyone got any recommondations and/or thoughts on the matter?
Thanks.

 

[maby]

They are fine for fun and to publish movements to family/friends - just don't rely on them for safety.

 

[elton]

For anyone to "see" you on these apps, you need to be connected to the internet or else have a proper AIS installed. A real AIS device doesn't "see" vessels that are using only an AIS app.

 

[ianfr]

I use Boat Beacon, which allows Father in Law to follow where we are when sailing. Keeps him from worrying.
Requires a phone signal and internet access from phone to transmit data back to sites like Marinetraffic.com
Any boat using it IS NOT VISIBLE to normal AIS receivers.
There is a small delay between sending the data and it becoming visible on the internet.
The latest version allows a USB connection between AIS receiver and phone to bring up local targets.

Ian

 

[FullCircle]

I use Boat Beacon, which allows Father in Law to follow where we are when sailing. Keeps him from worrying.
Requires a phone signal and internet access from phone to transmit data back to sites like Marinetraffic.com
Any boat using it IS NOT VISIBLE to normal AIS receivers.
There is a small delay between sending the data and it becoming visible on the internet.
The latest version allows a USB connection between AIS receiver and phone to bring up local targets.

Ian

I also have Boat Beacon, as does MoodySabre. Very nice toy, but no sub for the real thing.

 

[Bru]

I also have Boat Beacon, as does MoodySabre. Very nice toy, but no sub for the real thing.

Me2 and reinforce the comments from FullCircle and Ianfr that it's a fun thing to play with but that's all it is, it is not a substitute for proper AIS

BTW I've switched this year from mAIS (the app associated with MarineTraffic) to BoatBeacon even though the latter costs a squid or two because of problems with the account management on mAIS and MarineTraffic. I've noticed that the native BoatBeacon app seems to be a bit more up to speed with the real world than mAIS was.

 

[Trop Cher]

Thanks for all the replies.