AIS Programming Form PDF Details

The AIS Static Data Programming Log is a standardized document used to configure an AIS transponder with accurate vessel identification data. This form captures the specific information that an AIS unit broadcasts to nearby ships and shore stations, making the vessel visible and identifiable on marine traffic monitoring systems.

Who needs to complete this form?

Any vessel owner or operator installing or reprogramming an AIS transponder must fill out this form before the device is configured. Commercial vessels subject to U.S. Coast Guard carriage requirements must have accurate AIS data on file. Recreational boaters who voluntarily install AIS for collision avoidance also use this form to record their MMSI and vessel details. Marine electronics technicians keep completed forms as part of the installation documentation.

FCC compliance requirements

The Federal Communications Commission requires that every AIS transponder operating in U.S. waters be programmed with the MMSI number, vessel name, and call sign exactly as listed on the FCC Ships Station License. Operating an AIS device with incorrect or mismatched data is a regulatory violation. Vessels making international voyages must also record the FCC Ships Station License number in the AIS programming log before departure. Using an unassigned MMSI can result in FCC enforcement actions.

Key data fields on the AIS programming form

The AIS programming form covers all required static data fields:

Related documentation for vessel operators includes a marine regatta permit for organized events and an ARRL radiogram form for VHF radio communications.

QuestionAnswer
Form NameAIS Programming Form
Also known asAIS Static Data Programming Log
Form Length1 pages
Fillable?No
Avg. time to fill out15 min
Required byFCC regulations for U.S. vessels using AIS
Other namesais static data programming log, ais data programming online, ais programming pdf, mmsi programming data

Form Preview Example

AIS Static Data Programming Log (Please Print)

Vessel Owner:

 

Programming Date:

 

MMSI Registered To:

 

AIS Model #:

 

Vessel Name:

 

AIS Serial #:

 

Address:

 

Phone #:

 

 

 

 

E-Mail:

 

Step

Description

Result

 

Comments

1

Copy of FCC Ships Station License with MMSI and

 

 

Required for vessels that sail internationally

 

Call Sign. (If applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

Copy of MMSI Registration from Boat US, Sea Tow,

 

 

Acceptable for vessels on domestic voyages

 

US Power Squadron, or Other. (If applicable)

 

 

only

 

2

Record the following information on this document (* = required)

*MMSI number:

*Vessel Name (20 characters)

Call Sign (If applicable)

3

Determine position of GPS antenna on vessel

 

A

 

Round distance to the nearest meter

 

 

 

 

A

Distance from bow to the GPS antenna

meters

 

B

Distance from stern to the GPS antenna

meters

 

 

 

 

 

C

Distance from port side to the GPS antenna

meters

 

 

 

 

 

D

Distance from starboard side to GPS antenna

meters

 

 

 

 

 

 

B

GPS Antenna

D

C

4

Determine type of Vessel and record

See Vessel Type Description Below

 

 

 

 

As vessel Owner or Captain, I certify that

 

 

 

 

the above vessel identification

Company Name:

 

 

 

 

information is correct and valid.

 

 

 

 

Technician Name:

 

 

Name:

 

Signature:

Date:

 

Signature:

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Step

Vessel Type #

 

Vessel Type Description

 

4

30

Vessel – Fishing

 

 

 

31Vessel – Towing

32Vessel – Towing and the length of the tow exceeds 200 m or the breadth exceeds 25 m

33Vessel – Engaged in dredging or underwater operations

34Vessel – Engaged in diving operations

35Vessel – Engaged in military operations

36Vessel – Sailing

37Vessel – Pleasure craft

38Vessel – Reserved for future use

39Vessel – Reserved for future use

50Pilot Vessel

51Search and Rescue vessels

52Tugs

53Port tenders

54Vessels with anti-pollution facilities or equipment

55Law enforcement vessels

56Spare – for assignments to local vessels

57Spare – for assignments to local vessels

58Medical transports (as defined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols

59Ships according to RR Resolution No. 18 (Mob-83)

WARNING: It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission to input an MMSI that has not been properly assigned to the end user, or to otherwise input any inaccurate data in an AIS Transponder.

AIS Static Data Programming Log

FLIBS

How to Edit Ais Programming Form Online for Free

Completing the AIS programming form requires information from your FCC Ships Station License, MMSI registration, and vessel documents. Follow these steps to fill it out correctly before giving the form to your marine electronics technician.

Step 1: Gather required documents

Collect your FCC Ships Station License, MMSI registration confirmation from BoatUS or Sea Tow, and the vessel official documentation or state registration. These documents contain the exact vessel name, MMSI number, and call sign needed for accurate AIS programming. Keep copies of these documents in your vessel documentation folder.

Step 2: Enter vessel identification data

Write the vessel name exactly as it appears on your FCC license or state registration. Enter the nine-digit MMSI number without spaces or hyphens. Add the FCC call sign if one has been issued. Recreational vessels without an FCC license may leave the call sign field blank.

Step 3: Select the vessel type code

Choose the numeric vessel type code that matches your craft. Common codes include 36 for sailing vessels, 37 for pleasure craft, 30 for fishing vessels, and 31 or 32 for towing vessels. Enter this code in the vessel type field on the AIS programming form.

Step 4: Record GPS antenna position

Measure the GPS antenna position in meters from the vessel reference point. Record the distance from the bow (A), from the stern (B), from the port side (C), and from the starboard side (D). Accurate positioning helps other vessels see a precise AIS target on their chart plotters and radar displays.

Step 5: Submit the completed form

Hand the completed AIS programming form to the marine electronics technician who will configure your transponder. Keep a copy alongside your maritime documents and FCC license. For vessels making international voyages, confirm the FCC Ships Station License number is recorded before departure.

Vessel owners may also need a Merchant Mariner Oath form for crew documentation or an IFR navigation log form for voyage record-keeping.

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