AIS static data supplies the identity, vessel type and physical dimensions that form the basis of situational awareness and target tracking. The specific fields include the MMSI, call sign and name, IMO number, length and beam, ship type and the location of the electronic position-fixing antenna.
Static information is generally entered at installation and is changed when the vessel's name, MMSI, antenna location, dimensions or ship type changes as applicable. 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.
The officer of the watch should check own-ship static information when there is reason and at least once per voyage or once per month, whichever is shorter; MCA also recommends checking transmitted information via another vessel or shore station. This verification process ensures that the data remains accurate for monitoring purposes despite the inherent risks of unverified inputs.
