This post explains how the AIS vessel tracking system works and how bad actors abuse the system. Miao Shou, Gaute Friis | AUGUST 21, 2023 Miao Shou Analyst Gaute Friis Analyst Tracking vessels' Automatic Information System (AIS) signals is a core means SeaLight and other open-source intelligence collectors use to monitor maritime activity. AIS is a broadcast…
"Going dark" refers to the gray zone tactic of strategically turning off a vessel's Automatic Information System (AIS) transponder to avoid detection. Miao Shou | AUGUST 17, 2023 Vessels operating without AIS inside a country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). (Credits: Unseenlabs) Miao Shou Analyst "Going dark" refers to the gray zone tactic of turning off…
Spoofing is the act of deceptively and deliberately falsifying a vessel’s AIS identifying information or location. Gaute Friis | SEPTEMBER 3, 2023 A China Coast Guard (CCG) cutter transmits fraudulent AIS signals to nearby vessels, appearing as a fishing boat on their monitoring equipment (Credit: Gaille Powell). Gaute Friis Analyst Spoofing is a deception tactic…
This tactic consists of blasting another ship with a powerful stream of water using a high-pressure water cannon. Gaute Friis | AUGUST 7, 2023 CCG 31101 blasts a VCG vessel with water cannon, May 5, 2014. (Source: VCG) Gaute Friis Analyst As of this writing, the Philippines has just produced evidence that its coast guard…
This tactic describes maneuvering one's ship dangerously across the bow of another, often forcing the other ship to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Gaute Friis | JULY 18, 2023 Sealight 333 PLAN Destroyer Lanzhou, at right, is seen here sailing within 40 meters of the USS Decatur, to the left (Source: USN) Gaute…