AIS codes · Navigational status
AIS navigational status codes
Four bits in every Class A position report, sixteen values, all set by hand on the bridge. Each code below has its own page: what it means, what speed should go with it, and how it goes wrong.
- 0Under way using engineMoving under power — and the status nobody remembers to change.—now
- 1At anchorHolding position on its own anchor.—now
- 2Not under commandUnable to manoeuvre as required — a serious declaration.—now
- 3Restricted manoeuvrabilityThe work it is doing limits how it can manoeuvre.—now
- 4Constrained by her draughtIts depth limits it to a narrow channel.—now
- 5MooredMade fast alongside a berth or to a buoy.—now
- 6AgroundThe hull is on the bottom.—now
- 7Engaged in fishingFishing with gear that restricts manoeuvrability.—now
- 8Under way sailingUnder sail alone.—now
- 9Reserved for future amendment (HSC)Reserved — linked to high-speed craft carrying dangerous goods.—now
- 10Reserved for future amendment (WIG)Reserved — linked to wing-in-ground craft carrying dangerous goods.—now
- 11Power-driven vessel towing asternA tug with its tow on a line behind.—now
- 12Power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongsidePushing a barge or towing on the hip.—now
- 13Reserved for future useUnassigned.—now
- 14AIS-SART, MOB-AIS or EPIRB-AIS activeAn emergency locating device is transmitting.—now
- 15Undefined (default)No status set.—no status
Counts are vessels in our latest snapshot reporting each status. Our ingest stores 15 as “not reported”, and Class B equipment sends no status at all, so the last row counts every vessel with no status rather than code 15 alone. For the field as a whole, read AIS navigational status codes, all sixteen.