GITBOOK-marinetraffic-6: Lora's Nov 19 changes

gitbook/tools/marinetraffic/README.md

@@ -8,77 +8,136 @@ description: >-
 
 ## URL
 
-[https://marinetraffic.com/](https://marinetraffic.com/)
+[https://marinetraffic.com/](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:25.0/centery:-34.5/zoom:8)
 
 ## Description
 
-<figure><img src=".gitbook/assets/MarineTrafficMenu.JPG" alt="" width="142"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
+The MarineTraffic website and mobile app offer near real-time tracking of vessels and can be used to monitor marine traffic in general or of a particular vessel of a custom fleet. It has a map-based interface with search, filtering and map layers functions for vessels, ports and traffic.&#x20;
 
-&#x20;The app is accessible both on mobile devices and desktop platforms, ensuring that users can monitor marine traffic on the go or from the comfort of their home or office. The map-based interface  allows users to zoom in and out seamlessly to view vessel movements in specific areas or globally. The search function is robust, enabling users to find ships, ports, and maritime locations quickly.
+It can be used without an account to just monitor general vessel movements and point and click a specific vessel, but creating a free account will unlock some additional useful features.
 
-**Features**
+After creating an account, users can access a search portal to search for vessels by name, IMO or MMSI number, tonnage, flag, dimensions, etc., which can help to identify a vessel for which only some identifying information is known.
 
-1. **Real-Time Tracking**: The app provides live tracking of vessels, showing their current positions, course, speed, and other relevant data. This is particularly useful for maritime professionals who need to keep tabs on fleet movements.
-2. **Comprehensive Database**: With information on millions of ships, ports, and maritime structures, Marine Traffic boasts one of the most extensive maritime databases available. Each vessel's profile includes detailed specifications, voyage history, and even photos.
-3. **Alerts and Notifications**: Users can set up customized alerts for specific ships, ports, or regions. This feature ensures that users are notified about significant movements or events, such as a vessel arriving at a port or deviating from its course.
-4. **Historical Data and Playback**: For those needing to analyze past movements, Marine Traffic offers access to historical data and playback functionality. This is valuable for logistics planning, incident investigation, and maritime research.
-5. **Weather Overlay**: The app integrates weather data, providing insights into sea conditions that could affect maritime operations. This feature helps users anticipate and mitigate potential risks related to adverse weather conditions.
-6. **User Community and Contributions**: Marine Traffic has a strong user community that contributes to the accuracy and richness of the data. Users can upload photos, update vessel information, and share insights, enhancing the app's collaborative value.
+{% hint style="info" %}
+IMO numbers are unique, seven-digit tracking numbers assigned to ships and shipping companies by S\&P Global Market Intelligence on behalf of the International Maritime Organization. Unlike ship names and company names which can change, IMO numbers remain constant. More information about IMO numbers can be found on the [International Maritime Organization's website](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/IIIS/Pages/IMO-Identification-Number-Schemes.aspx).
 
-The app sources data from a network of AIS (Automatic Identification System) receivers, satellite AIS, and dynamic data from its user community. While the free version of the app provides substantial information, the premium subscription offers additional features like advanced filtering, detailed reports, and enhanced tracking capabilities, which are particularly beneficial for commercial users.
+MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identities) numbers are nine-digit numbers used to uniquely identify ships in radio and AIS (Automatic Identification System) broadcasts. MMSI numbers are issued by the country a ship is flagged to and managed by the International Telecommunications Union. More information about MMSI numbers can be found on the [International Telecommunications Union's website](https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/Pages/by-categories-faq.aspx?categorizedby=17).
+{% endhint %}
 
-**Areas for Improvement**
+**Main desktop & in-app menus**
 
-Despite its strengths, there are a few areas where Marine Traffic could improve:
+[Live Map](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-18.6/centery:28.9/zoom:6): The world map with all the 279,372 vessels that MarineTraffic monitors and has in its database shown on the map. Just point and click on a vessel to see basic information. Be aware that if a vessel is outside of coastal AIS range, the only information shown with a free plan account is its type (i.e. cargo, passenger, tanker vessel) and its name.
 
-*
+[Vessels](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/data/?asset_type=vessels\&columns=flag%2Cshipname%2Cphoto%2Crecognized_next_port%2Creported_eta%2Creported_destination%2Ccurrent_port%2Cimo%2Cship_type%2Cshow_on_live_map%2Ctime_of_latest_position%2Clat_of_latest_position%2Clon_of_latest_position%2Cnotes): This menu moves away from the map to show a list of all vessels in MarineTraffic's database and a search bar that allows searching by vessel name, MMSI, IMO or callsign. Once a vessel is selected, you can access some basic information. Unfortunately, more useful data like its port call logs, characteristics and ownership are only available through a paid plan.&#x20;
 
+<div><figure><img src=".gitbook/assets/MT1.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src=".gitbook/assets/MT2.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
 
+This vessel view also has two shortcuts to follow a ship's past track (selecting this will return you to the map and show this exact vessel's recent movements) for the past about 4 days. Custom past track dates are only available through a paid subscription. Another shortcut that also returns the used to the main map is the route forecast, but free predictive routes are only shown for a 24-hour future period and again custom past track dates are only available through a paid subscription.&#x20;
+
+In the main menu, you can select for free up to five vessels and add them to a custom fleet that you can track over time.
+
+[Ports](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/data/?asset_type=arrivals_departures\&columns=shipname%2Cmove_type%2Cport_type%2Cport_name%2Cata_atd%2Corigin_port_name%2Cleg_start_port%2Cintransit\&ata_atd_between=2024-11-20%2C2024-11-21): A list of over 20,881 ports, ahcorages, offshore terminals, marinas, canals, shelters, fishing harbours and shelters including description of the port, its location, information on the number of arrivals and departures in the past 24 hours, as well as the number of vessels currently anchored there, the number of expected arrivals and the local time of the port. Use the search bar to locate a specific port using a name or a United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations - LOCODE (a geographic coding scheme developed and maintained by the UN Economic Commission for Europe).
+
+This menu also allows to search expected arrivals, arrivals and departures by a ship's name IMO or MMSI. A paid subscription also features looking up data on berth calls and port congestion.&#x20;
+
+If you have a paid subscription, the Ports menu also offers information on port congestion, and the exact names of the ships expected to arrive or depart.
+
+When you have selected a specific port, a new page opens with more details like photos and businesses located at the port. A paid subscription unlocks further details like number of terminals and berths, maximum deadweight, draught and length.&#x20;
+
+<figure><img src=".gitbook/assets/MT3.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Detailed view on Zhoushan Port</p></figcaption></figure>
+
+[Lighthouses & AtoN](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/data/?asset_type=lights\&columns=flag,light_name,photo,location,light_type,characteristic,year_of_build,operational): A list of 15,888 lighthouses and Aids to Navigation (NAVAID) with their key details. The list can be searched by name, and additional filters can be applied to list lights and AtoNs by area, country, type of light or flashing, whether it is operational, number of flashes and interval of flashing, light color and range, focal height, admiralty code and The Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) code.
+
+{% hint style="info" %}
+In an effort to be able to readily identify lights for amateur radio contact purposes, The Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) created the [World List of Lights](http://wlol.arlhs.com/). WLOL contains information on 15,529 Lighthouses in 234 amateur radio call areas.
+{% endhint %}
+
+<figure><img src=".gitbook/assets/MT4.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Detailed view of the Friedrichsort lighthouse, including photos and details on the color, shape and material of the construction. </p></figcaption></figure>
+
+[Companies](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/maritime-companies/search): a list of 53,827 companies that are related in some way to doing business in ports, or provide maritime-related services. The companies are searchable by name and are categorized based in the sector they operate in. The business directory aims to give suppliers exposure to maritime professionals using MarineTraffic. This menu appears to be more B2B oriented and adds a pin for each listed business on the live map, as well as shows the business whenever a user is looking at port details or for a vessel that is nearby. It also appears participation in this is voluntary and anyone can list their business on the website.&#x20;
+
+A profile for a company gives contact information and address, years in business and the nature of business
+
+[Stations](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/data/?asset_type=stations\&columns=country,station_name,status,last_signal,availability,max_distance,avg_distance,area_covered): A list of 5,644 AIS stations with details for each one, including status, last signal time, average and maximum reception distance in nautical miles, area covered, station elevation, who operates it, equipment description, statistics about the AIS message types and records received about vessels in the past hour.
+
+This menu also offers the opportunity to apply for free AIS-receiving equipment by filling out [this form](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/join-us/free-receiver-application). Some conditions apply and it appears MarineTraffic may not approve an application if your specific area is already covered by at least one AIS receiver.&#x20;
+
+Photo gallery and Maritime News: These photo gallery is useful when you want to take check the exterior of a ship, its main features, equipment mounted on the deck. Photos can also be a good guide for approximating the size of a ship, if such information is not readily available. The news section's most handy use is to look up any current information on vessels and maritime accidents. Often the news piece might include additional information about a vessel, a location or a port that may not be available anywhere else on the website. It is also a one-stop shop for maritime news if you are doing some media monitoring on the topic.&#x20;
+
+**Main Map Features and Filters (located in the Live Map view)**
+
+1. **Map Type**: A dark, light or a sattelite view mode to suit preferences. Nautical charts are also avaiable, but are paid.&#x20;
+2. **Vessel Filters**: Ship Type (filter by the function each vessels serves), Current Status (en route or anchored), Last Position Received (this requires a search for AIS stations), Voyage (paid feature for port of origin and port of destination), Capacity (paid feature for tonnage, deadweight), Smart Filters (paid feature for current operation and special conditions),&#x20;
+3. **My Fleets**: Filters out all the other vessels and shows only the ones added to a custom fleet.
+4. **Layers**: Probably one of the most interesting filters, but is only available with a paid subscription. This filter has meteorological, rescue, military, and piracy layers, areas of interest such as trade of offshore wind farm areas, as well as SafetyNET areas address in meteorological warnings.
+5. **Weather**: Almost all of the filters are behind a pay wall, but they include wind gusts, wind wave heights and directions, currents, swell periods, temperatures, precipitation and visibility among others.&#x20;
+6. **Density Maps**: A visual representation of the distribution and intensity of the vessels across a geographic area. The free access shows data for the past year. The paid version allows for sub-layers to display specific vessel types. Can be used to monitor whether an area is characterized by high or low shipping traffic.
+7. **Historical Data & Playback**: Good for analyzing past movements and investigating incidents. MarineTraffic offers access to historical data of about two years for paid subscribers and of three days for free accounts, plus  a playback functionality.
+8. **Voyage Planner**: Used to visualize and review sea routes information based on density maps of   vessel movements. This is useful for professionals in the field that want to plan an optimal route, departure/arrival time and speed, review waypoint to waypoint routing details&#x20;
 
 ## Cost
 
 * [ ] Free
 * [x] Partially Free
 * [ ] Paid
 
-\[\[Pricing or subscription information, if relevant.]]
+Full pricing information can be found [here](https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/online-services/plans). MarineTraffic offers three plans - Standard for USD 19/month, Professional for USD 69/month and an Enterprise one that requires contacting them for pricing details.&#x20;
+
+You can also buy add-ons for satellite tracking (USD 15/month), data exports  (USD 20/month), monitoring a larger fleet (USD 10 or USD 35/month depending on the fleet size), notifications (USD 10/month), and voyage planner pro (USD 15/month).
+
+A pay per usage is also available, where you can purchase credits. The lowest possible is 100 credits for USD 7 (USD 0.07 per credit). The price per credit goes down if you purchase a larger volume.&#x20;
 
 ## Level of difficulty
 
-<table><thead><tr><th data-type="rating" data-max="5"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table>
+<table><thead><tr><th data-type="rating" data-max="5"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>3</td></tr></tbody></table>
 
 ## Requirements
 
-\[\[Information on the requirement for using a tool, for instance, API key, e-mail address etc.]]
+A free registration via email to access at least some of the menus and capabilities.&#x20;
 
 ## Limitations
 
 MarineTraffic's data is AIS signals. Since AIS transponders can be, and are, switched off by vessels which want to avoid tracking, the user needs to become familiar with this trait and work around it where necessary.
 
-* **Pricing**: Some users may find the premium subscription plans expensive. Offering more flexible pricing tiers or additional features in the free version could make the app more accessible.
-* **Offline Access**: While the app requires an internet connection for real-time updates, providing more robust offline capabilities could benefit users operating in areas with limited connectivity.
+Some more interesting features like a vessel's dimensions, ownership and port call log are only available through a paid subscription. See the Cost section of this page for pricing information.&#x20;
+
+Satellite data on movements is only available through a paid subscription, which is not the fact with some similar tools.&#x20;
 
 ## Ethical Considerations
 
-*
+Almost all vessels are privately-owned, so there should be considerations if this information is used as part of research meant for the wider public. Additional research in vessel ownership is advisable.
 
-\[\[The ethical considerations of each tool should be described.]]
+Some of the vessels are government-owned and a small part of those are intended for military use. This can pose hurdles if in-depth research is needed as it may require obtaining additional information from official sources to present a balanced picture, especially if the research or parts of it are meant to be read by a wide audience.
 
 ## Guides and articles
 
-\[\[Link to guides on this tool and to articles on research that was done with the help of this tool]]
+A [comparison](https://themarineking.com/blogs/news/marinetraffic-vs-vesselfinder) between MarineTraffic and VesselFinder based on functionalities, price and usability from The Marine King blog.&#x20;
+
+by MarineTraffic Support-provided guodes
+
+[Using MarineTraffic](https://support.marinetraffic.com/en/collections/9740537-using-marinetraffic)
+
+[Vessels Database](https://support.marinetraffic.com/en/articles/9552760-vessels-database)&#x20;
+
+[Playback - Past Track](https://support.marinetraffic.com/en/articles/9552736-playback-past-track)
+
+[Resources & Methodology](https://support.marinetraffic.com/en/collections/9740541-resources-methodology)
+
+[How to videos](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTqilBXexpdyWDIRudAfPgs40LVm_Abmx) on YouTube
+
+[Online Services videos](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTqilBXexpdxNM7TtaMyxBG9wIbeu9wJC) on YouTube
 
 ## Tool provider
 
-\[\[Name the tool provider (and potentially info on them)]]
+[Kpler Holding SA](https://www.kpler.com/company/about-us), based in Brussels, Belgium
 
 ## Advertising Trackers
 
 * [x] This tool has not been checked for advertising trackers yet.
-* [ ] This tool uses tracking cookies. Use with caution.
+* [x] This tool uses tracking cookies. Use with caution.
 * [ ] This tool does not appear to use tracking cookies.
 
-| Page maintainer                                                |
-| -------------------------------------------------------------- |
-| \[\[Your name here (optional) or "Bellingcat volunteer team"]] |
-|                                                                |
+| Page maintainer             |
+| --------------------------- |
+| LPetrova and Sophie Tedling |
+|                             |