I have been playing with (AIS) Automatic Identification System.
See the following link for more information
http://en.wikipedia.org/...c_Identification_System
Check out
www.marinetraffic.com it uses Google maps you can see ships or barges in real time. I have a receiving station at my location near Cincinnati Ohio Station (621) KC9HAX
If anyone has a chart plotter capable of plotting AIS information adding a receiver is fairly cheap under $200
http://www.milltechmarin...AIS-Receiver_p_167.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebay...tsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear
If you want to tinker and have a pc or lap top you can build a receiver. I am currently using it to receive AIS packets. And forward to
www.marinetraffic.com1- Need the discriminator output form the receiver (you can use an old scanner)
2- Connect to a laptop with a sound card
3- Use a Program aismon Sound card modem
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aismon/
"The is no dumb-ass vaccine" - Jimmy Buffet