AIS (Automatic Identification System) receivers and transponders allow your boat to see other vessels' position, speed, and course on your chartplotter — and, with a Class B transponder, broadcast your own position so others can see you. Critical safety equipment for offshore and high-traffic waterways.
The most comprehensive small-boat safety system — Class B AIS transponder, DSC VHF radio, and anchor watch/crew overboard alerts in one unit. Integrates with NMEA 2000 and Bluetooth for smartphone monitoring.
Garmin's Class B AIS transponder with SOTDMA technology (faster update rate than CSTDMA). Integrates directly with Garmin chartplotters via NMEA 2000.
Compact Class B CSTDMA transponder — straightforward installation, NMEA 2000 compatible, suitable for day-sailing and nearshore applications where you need to broadcast your position.
Passive AIS receiver — sees other AIS-equipped vessels on your chartplotter but does not broadcast your position. Low-cost entry into AIS awareness. Not a transponder; no Class B broadcasting.
Receiver vs Transponder
An AIS receiver (like the dAISy 2+) only receives — you can see other vessels on your chartplotter but they can't see you. An AIS transponder (Class B) both receives and broadcasts — other vessels and VTS (vessel traffic services) can see your position, speed, and vessel information. For any offshore application or operation in high-traffic shipping lanes, a transponder is significantly safer than a receiver-only setup. For recreational nearshore fishing in light traffic, a receiver provides situational awareness at lower cost.