Guides
Track ship position
Many cruise ships can be roughly located via AIS-based maps. Here is how to search usefully – and what the tech cannot do.
As of: August 2026.
Erklärvideo: AIS & Schiffsposition
Kurz erklärt, wie AIS funktioniert – die technische Basis hinter Live-Karten wie VesselFinder.
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Video: AIS einfach erklärt – So funktioniert das Schiffs-Identifikationssystem · SegelnAG. Embedded via YouTube (Google); playback only after marketing consent.
Watch on YouTube ↗How tracking works
AIS sends identification and position. Map providers such as VesselFinder bundle these data into map views.
On schiffsverfolgung.de you open matching maps for ships and ports – with IMO where available.
Coverage limits
Not every ship transmits at all times. Coverage depends on receivers, region and ship behaviour.
Polar regions, technical outages or deliberately switched-off transmitters can create gaps. It is not a guarantee of worldwide real time.
- No seamless real-time guarantee
- IMO helps with identification
- Port webcams add the view
Practical start
Start with the desired ship or port. From there open map and further info.
For departures and calls, official terminal schedules help as well.
In short
Is the position always current?
No. The display depends on available AIS data and the map provider – delays and gaps are normal.
Where do I find my ship?
Via the cruise-ships overview or search. Ships with a detail page often have a direct map link.