# Maritime Communication and Tracking Networks

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> Maritime communication and tracking networks are the technical infrastructure that keeps vessels under continuous observation and enables information exchange between ships, operators, ports, and authorities.

Maritime communication and tracking networks are the technical infrastructure that keeps vessels under continuous observation and enables information exchange between ships, operators, ports, and authorities. Core components include VHF radio for coastal waters, satellite systems for ocean passages, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for real-time position broadcasting and collision avoidance, and Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) for remote monitoring by flag and coastal states. AIS and LRIT are mandatory under SOLAS for defined vessel categories, supplying port states and coast guards with the data needed for traffic management and security decisions. In freight operations, these networks are the backbone of reliable ETA forecasting and the timely allocation of port resources.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/AIS.aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/AIS.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Maritime Communication and Tracking Networks |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 110 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/AIS.aspx |

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