AIS static data matters because it supplies stable identity and vessel-description fields for accurate situational awareness.
The officer of the watch must verify own-ship static information at least once per voyage or monthly, whichever period is shorter, and when there is reason to suspect an error; the MCA also advises checking transmitted data via another vessel or shore station. Because these 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.
This information includes 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.
