Can Decentralised AIS Networks Improve Vessel Tracking? A Coastal Experiment from the UK
A real-world test of a low-cost AIS receiver exploring how distributed infrastructure could extend maritime tracking coverage.
Jugy depin3 min read·Just now--
Introduction
Global vessel tracking relies heavily on AIS data, yet coverage remains uneven in many coastal and offshore regions. Most systems depend on fixed, centralised receiver networks — an effective model, but one that can leave blind spots where infrastructure is limited.
A new approach is beginning to emerge: decentralised AIS collection, where independent operators deploy low-cost receiver stations and contribute data to a shared network. Instead of relying on a small number of fixed sites, coverage grows organically as more nodes come online.
To explore this in practice, I deployed a Raspberry Pi–based AIS receiver on the UK coast, contributing live vessel data to the MastChain.io network. The project offers a small but practical example of how distributed infrastructure could complement existing maritime tracking systems.
A Distributed Layer for Maritime Data
AIS is fundamental to modern shipping — supporting navigation, situational awareness, and maritime safety. However, terrestrial AIS coverage is inherently dependent on geography and infrastructure density.
In regions with fewer receivers, data quality can degrade, particularly for coastal traffic or vessels operating outside well-covered corridors.
A decentralised model introduces a different dynamic. By enabling individuals to operate receiver stations, AIS coverage becomes a function of participation rather than central planning.
In effect, this creates a crowdsourced AIS layer, where network resilience and reach improve as more contributors join.
A Practical Coastal Deployment
To test this concept, I built a small AIS receiver using:
- a Raspberry Pi
- a low-cost software-defined radio (SDR)
- a marine-band antenna tuned to AIS frequencies
The system was deployed at a coastal location in the UK, overlooking active shipping routes in the Bristol Channel.
Despite its simplicity, the station is capable of receiving AIS transmissions from vessels in the surrounding area, decoding them locally, and forwarding structured data to a decentralised network.
The entire setup runs on low power and can be adapted for off-grid operation using solar and battery systems, making it viable for remote coastal installations.
From Signals to Shared Data
AIS operates in the VHF maritime band at 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz, using standardised message formats to broadcast vessel identity, position, speed, and course.
Using SDR-based software, these signals can be captured and decoded on inexpensive hardware.
Once processed, the data from this station is transmitted to the MastChain network — where it becomes part of a distributed pool of maritime information contributed by independent operators.
This architecture shifts the model from:
- centralised collection → decentralised contribution
Why This Matters
The implications of this approach are not necessarily about replacing existing AIS infrastructure, but augmenting it.
A decentralised network could:
- extend coverage into underserved coastal areas
- improve redundancy in the event of outages
- provide additional data sources for maritime analytics
It also lowers the barrier to participation, allowing individuals, hobbyists, and small operators to contribute to global maritime visibility.
Incentives and Participation
One of the key differences in this model is the introduction of incentives.
Participants contributing AIS data can be rewarded with MAST token, based on factors such as:
- coverage usefulness
- uptime reliability
- consistency of data contribution
This creates a mechanism where network growth is driven not only by interest, but by aligned incentives.
A Complement, Not a Replacement
Decentralised AIS networks are unlikely to replace established maritime data providers in the near term. However, they offer a complementary layer that could evolve alongside existing systems.
Much like other distributed technologies, their strength lies in:
- scalability
- resilience
- adaptability
As more nodes are deployed, the network’s value increases — particularly in areas where traditional infrastructure is sparse.
Conclusion
This small-scale deployment on the UK coast demonstrates that it is already possible to build and operate an AIS receiver using affordable hardware and contribute data to a decentralised network.
While still early, this approach raises an important question for the maritime sector:
Could vessel tracking evolve from a centrally managed system into a more distributed, participatory network?
The answer will likely depend not just on technology, but on whether enough independent operators are willing to contribute to building that layer.
