AIS static data should be checked at least once per voyage or monthly, whichever is shorter. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) also recommends checking transmitted information via another vessel or shore station.
Because static fields are configured aboard, require updating after relevant changes and can contain invalid or duplicated identifiers, receiving a static report alone does not establish that every field is current or correctly associated with the observed vessel. Static data includes MMSI, call sign and name, IMO number, length and beam, ship type and the location of the electronic position-fixing antenna.
Static data is carried separately from frequent position reports. The USCG identifies Message 5 as Class A static and voyage-related data and Message 24 as an additional static data report.
