A Vessel Identification System allows users of radar to see a ship’s name, IMO (International Maritime Organization) number, course, speed, destination, and sometimes flag and dimensions, next to a ship-like icon on a computer or radar screen. A comparatively new innovation designed to improve inter-vessel communication, reduce reliance on visual contact and VHF radio chatter, and enable more efficient traffic control and reduce the incidence of collision.
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Vessel Identification System Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA