Android Marine AIS System
AIS Share + RTL AIS Driver
Turn a modern Android phone or tablet into a live dual-channel AIS receiver with elegant onboard sharing to charting apps over Wi-Fi.
Plug in an RTL-SDR dongle, press Play in AIS Share, and forward vessel targets to OpenCPN, Navionics Boating, Boat Beacon, and other NMEA 0183 compatible apps.
No cloud. No monthly fee. No dedicated marine black box required.
Dual-channel AIS UDP + TCP sharing GPS forwarding Polar Range Chart Unique Vessel Count
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Reception Live AIS on both channelsReceives AIS traffic at 161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz with an RTL-SDR dongle and forwards it live across your onboard network. |
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Control Premium Android front endAIS Share gives you status badges, live output activity, Wi-Fi IP visibility, inline edits, charts, counters, and dark mode in one polished interface. |
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Sharing Ready for chart appsShare AIS over up to 3 UDP outputs plus 1 TCP server, and optionally forward your own GPS position over UDP. |
Why there are two apps
This system is intentionally split into two parts so each app can do one job well.
Free companion app
RTL AIS Driver
Handles the USB radio hardware, SDR tuning, and AIS decoding. AIS Share can start it automatically, so in normal use it mostly stays in the background.
Premium app layer
AIS Share
Shows live system status, message activity, chart-friendly outputs, and practical controls for onboard daily use.
Both apps must be installed. In daily use, AIS Share is the app you work with.
2026 hardware essentials
Affiliate note: As an Amazon Associate and AliExpress Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
1. Device
Android phone or tablet
Use a recent Android device with USB-C OTG. Tablets work especially well if you want AIS Share visible next to your chart app.
2. Connection
USB-C OTG or powered hub
A good USB-C OTG adapter is essential. For longer onboard sessions, a powered USB-C hub keeps the dongle stable and reduces battery drain.
Amazon DE – USB-C OTG
AliExpress – USB-C OTG
AliExpress – USB-C Hub
3. Radio
RTL-SDR + proper antenna
Choose a stable 0.5 ppm / RTL-SDR Blog class receiver if possible. Pair it with a proper AIS or VHF antenna for real range.
Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V3
Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V4
Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V3 Bundle
Amazon DE – RTL-SDR Blog V4 Bundle
AliExpress – 0.5 ppm RTL-SDR
AliExpress – 0.5 ppm Bundle
AliExpress – AIS Marine Antenna
Quick start
- Install RTL AIS Driver from Google Play.
- Install AIS Share from Google Play.
- Connect the RTL-SDR dongle with your USB-C OTG adapter or powered hub.
- Open AIS Share and press the Play button.
- Allow the USB permission request for RTL AIS Driver.
- Wait for live message counts and status badges to turn active.
- Point your charting app to the AIS Share UDP or TCP output.
You do not need to manually launch the driver app every time. AIS Share handles the normal start and stop flow for you.
Why AIS Share is a premium marine AIS receiver app
Status at a glance
The top status row shows whether the driver, background processing, UDP sharing, TCP sharing, and GPS sharing are actually running. The most important badge is DRV, because it confirms the dongle and radio path are alive.
Wi-Fi IP always visible
AIS Share shows the device’s current Wi-Fi IP right on the main screen, which makes Navionics, OpenCPN, and other network client setup much faster onboard.
| Badge | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DRV | RTL AIS Driver is connected and decoding |
| RX | Live AIS message reception is active |
| UDP | UDP output service is forwarding AIS data |
| TCP | TCP server is running and ready for a client |
| GPS | GPS sharing is active |
Inline output editing
Tap an output row and change host, port, or active state directly from the main screen. No more digging through settings just to fix one port number.
Live activity feedback
Active rows show a pulse indicator and recent send activity, so you can see whether data is flowing now, not just whether a checkbox is enabled.
Reception Analysis: Polar Chart and Bar Chart
The Reception Range Polar Chart (opt-in) shows the maximum AIS distance per 22.5° sector over the last 60 minutes. It gives you a clear visual of your antenna’s performance in every direction. Pair this with the Channel Performance Bar Chart to see real-time frame counts for Channel A and Channel B over a rolling 60-second window.
ATTENTION: Reception Range Polar Chart
THIS FEATURE NEEDS TO BE ENABLED IN SETTINGS
AIS Traffic Statistics
Keep track of exactly what you are receiving. The statistics card identifies message types including Positions (msg 1,2,3,18,19), Voyage (msg 5), and Info (msg 24). Most importantly, AIS Share tracks the number of **Unique Vessels** (MMSIs) seen in the current session, giving you a better sense of traffic density than raw message counts alone.
Marine Location Info Card
ATTENTION:
THIS FEATURE NEEDS TO BE ENABLED IN SETTINGS. Either you activate GPS Sharing or the Reception Range Chart
When GPS sharing or the Polar Chart is active, the Marine Location Card provides a detailed dashboard of your own vessel’s position. It features nautical DDM formatting, speed in knots (kt), course in degrees true (°T), and a live satellite count for the GPS fix.
If only approximate location is available, a warning chip helps you troubleshoot permission settings.
Sharing AIS data to charting apps
AIS Share can forward live AIS NMEA data to up to 3 UDP outputs and 1 TCP client at the same time. Default ports are:
| Output | Default port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| UDP Output 1 | 10111 | UDP |
| UDP Output 2 | 10112 | UDP |
| UDP Output 3 | 10113 | UDP |
| TCP Server | 10114 | TCP |
| GPS Share | 10140 | UDP |
Use UDP
Best for simple distribution to one or more chart clients, especially OpenCPN-style setups and multi-device boat networks.
Use TCP
Best when a chart app prefers a single direct server connection, which is often the cleanest starting point for Garmin Navionics Boating.
If you have a boat Wi-Fi router, you can also broadcast to the whole onboard network. Set the destination IP to 255.255.255.255 for UDP outputs and compatible apps on the same network can listen on the selected port.
Compatible navigation apps and the settings that matter
AIS Share works best with charting apps that accept NMEA 0183 over UDP or TCP. Below are the most useful real-world setups for 2026.
| App | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Navionics Boating | TCP to AIS Share Wi-Fi IP | Good fit for a single direct feed from AIS Share into the app |
| OpenCPN | UDP input | Flexible network connections and easy multi-device use |
| Boat Beacon | UDP external AIS feed | Simple dedicated AIS target display workflow |
| Other NMEA apps | Match UDP or TCP port | If the app accepts NMEA 0183 input, it will usually work |
Navionics Boating (Garmin) – best tips first
- In AIS Share, enable the TCP server.
- Use the Wi-Fi IP shown on the AIS Share main screen.
- In Navionics, open the external device or paired device connection screen and create a Wi-Fi NMEA / TCP connection.
- Enter the AIS Share Wi-Fi IP and the same TCP port.
- Return to the chart and confirm that AIS targets are enabled in the app view.
Important Navionics hints
- Navionics (Boating app) requires a valid chart subscription for the area you are testing. Without it, AIS targets may not be displayed correctly even if data is received.
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Depending on your setup, use the correct connection address:
- Different device: use the Android device network IP (e.g. 192.168.x.x)
- Same device: you can use 127.0.0.1 (localhost) if supported by the connection setup
- After connecting, make sure AIS targets are enabled in the chart display settings and that you are inside an area covered by your Navionics subscription.
- If AIS targets do not appear, check:
- Chart subscription is active for the region
- AIS layer/display is enabled in Navionics settings
- You have valid GPS position and correct map zoom level
- For dry runs, use AIS Share simulation mode. Ensure the test target is placed inside your subscribed chart region, otherwise it will not be visible on the map.
Have a look at this older post Is App XY compatible with AIS Share – ebcTech.eu
In short: for Navionics, start with TCP, the AIS Share Wi-Fi IP, and a stable boat Wi-Fi connection.
OpenCPN – the most flexible pairing
- Options > Connections > Add Connection
- Type: Network
- Protocol: UDP
- Direction: Input
- Address:
0.0.0.0or your chosen receive address - DataPort: the same UDP port configured in AIS Share
OpenCPN also works well over TCP if you prefer a direct client connection to the AIS Share TCP server, but for multi-device boat networks, UDP is usually the smoother starting point.
Boat Beacon – clean external AIS feed setup
- Enable one UDP output in AIS Share.
- Point it at the Boat Beacon device IP, or use your network broadcast strategy if appropriate.
- In Boat Beacon, enable the external AIS feed and use the same port number.
Other compatible apps
- Aqua Map / AquaMaps
- qtVlm
- SeaNav Pro
- PC-based charting software listening on the same boat Wi-Fi network
The rule is always the same: protocol, IP, and port must match on both sides. AIS Share makes that easier by showing the Wi-Fi IP on the main screen and keeping port setup straightforward.
GPS sharing for your own vessel position
AIS Share can forward your Android device GPS as standard NMEA 0183 sentences over UDP. This is useful when your chart app needs a position feed in addition to AIS targets, or when you want one Android device to supply GPS to another display device on the same network.
Configure a separate UDP host and port for GPS sharing. The default GPS port is 10140. Use a different port from your AIS feed so the chart app can keep the two streams cleanly separated if needed.
Simulation mode – test before you leave the dock
AIS Share includes a simulation mode that generates AIS traffic without real radio hardware. It is perfect for verifying network settings, testing chart app compatibility, or checking a fresh Navionics or OpenCPN setup at home.
- Test UDP and TCP output paths without waiting for live vessels.
- Check whether a chart app displays targets before your next trip.
- Use the custom simulated position to place targets where your chart subscription can actually display them.
AIS message coverage
AIS Share handles the standard AIS message families you actually expect in day-to-day use, including:
| Message type(s) | Description |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 | Class A position reports |
| 4, 11 | Base station and UTC/time reports |
| 5, 24 | Static vessel data and voyage details |
| 6, 8, 12, 14 | Binary and safety messages |
| 9 | SAR aircraft position report |
| 18, 19 | Class B position reports |
| 21 | Aid-to-navigation reports |
| Others up to 24 | Management, interrogation, acknowledge, and channel control messages |
The integrated message counters inside AIS Share make it easy to confirm that real traffic is being received and decoded.
Battery and onboard-use tips
- Use the Whitelist action in AIS Share so Android does not aggressively stop background operation.
- Enable Keep Wi-Fi radio on in General Settings when you depend on a continuous onboard network feed.
- For long sessions, use a powered USB-C hub or a permanently powered tablet installation.
- If your device brand is known for killing background apps, check dontkillmyapp.com.
Advanced Settings: RTL AIS Driver and Expert Modes
RTL AIS Driver offers advanced SDR controls for power users, including PPM correction, gain, AGC, bandwidth, and DC filtering. AIS Share also includes a General Settings category for UI behavior and units, and a GPS Output section for fine-tuning location update intervals and NMEA sentence types.
- With a good TCXO-style dongle, you can often leave PPM correction at or near zero.
- Auto or conservative gain is a sensible starting point.
- The built-in waterfall helps when you want to verify signal presence or fine-tune reception.
- The driver also includes a demo/test mode, which is useful for confirming the hardware path before full use.
Pricing and download
Free Companion App
RTL AIS Driver
Free
Provides RTL-SDR device support and AIS signal decoding. This app receives AIS messages from a compatible RTL-SDR receiver and makes the decoded vessel data available to AIS Share.
Premium App
AIS Share
One-time purchase • No subscription
AIS Share is the premium companion app for your DIY AIS receiver setup. It provides a modern Material 3 interface, rolling reception charts, unique vessel tracking, and seamless NMEA 0183 integration for professional charting apps.
If you want a compact Android-based AIS setup without moving straight to expensive dedicated marine hardware, this is exactly the niche AIS Share and RTL AIS Driver are built for.
Safety disclaimer
Do not rely on AIS Share or RTL AIS Driver for safety of life or property. These apps are for informational and hobby use. Reception quality, vessel coverage, message completeness, and network forwarding cannot be guaranteed. Always comply with local regulations for radio reception and always use approved marine navigation equipment where required.
Updated 2026 | Christian Ebner / ebcTech.eu