MarineTraffic — the essential tracking tool every seafarer needs
www.marinetraffic.com
If there is one tool that every maritime professional should have bookmarked, it is MarineTraffic. Whether you are an officer planning your next voyage, an engineer researching a vessel before joining, or a cadet learning about shipping routes — this platform is indispensable.
What is MarineTraffic?
MarineTraffic is the world's leading ship tracking platform. It uses AIS (Automatic Identification System) data from a global network of receivers to show real-time positions of vessels worldwide. Think of it as Google Maps for ships.
Why seafarers need it
Before joining a vessel
Look up your next ship. Check its current position, recent ports of call, and typical trading routes. This gives you a realistic picture of what to expect — are you going to be on a fixed route between two ports, or crossing oceans? Is the vessel currently in a repair yard (potentially delayed joining)?
During your contract
Track vessels in your company's fleet. Monitor weather-affected routes. Check port congestion before arrival — this can help you estimate crew change timing.
For salary research
Vessel types and trading areas significantly affect pay. MarineTraffic helps you understand what kind of voyages different companies typically do, which correlates directly with compensation.
Free vs Premium
The free version gives you:
- Real-time vessel positions on the map
- Basic vessel details (name, type, flag, size)
- Port information
- Simple vessel search
Premium ($9.99/month or $99/year) adds:
- Historical vessel tracks (up to 3 years)
- Port statistics and congestion data
- Fleet tracking and alerts
- Weather overlay on maps
- ETA predictions
- Advanced search filters
Pro tips
- Before joining a new vessel, look up its recent routes over the past 3-6 months. This tells you the trading pattern better than any recruiter.
- Check port call history to estimate crew change reliability. If a vessel regularly calls at major ports, crew changes are likely smoother.
- Use the weather overlay to understand seasonal patterns on your route.
- Set up vessel alerts for ships you are interested in joining — you will get notified of port calls and movements.
MarineTraffic is not just a nice-to-have. It is a professional tool that helps you make better career decisions.