Garmin Adds AIS Warnings To MFDs

Garmin has a new software update for its GPSMAP and ECHOMAP chartplotters that includes an Automatic Identification System (AIS) warning messaging feature designed to heighten situational awareness beyond the icon displayed on screen.

Here’s how it works: When an AIS unit is connected to a Garmin chartplotter, targets are displayed as a layer on top of the live chart or radar display allowing skippers to clearly see the movements of each other’s vessels.

Add the free software update and Garmin plotters will also display addressed and broadcast warning messages (AIS Message types 12 and 14) in addition to collision avoidance alerts. These messages are generated and used by third-party licensed AIS broadcasters to send text messages that will appear onscreen to alert boaters who are within range of potential safety hazards, including certain floating objects, as well as when nearing or entering North Atlantic right whale seasonal and dynamic management areas.

The new AIS warnings for object detection are available for the following Garmin chartplotters: GPSMAP 9000, 9500, 8600, 8600xsv, 8700, 7x3/9x3/12x3/16x3 and 10x2/12x2 series, along with the ECHOMAP Ultra 2 and UHD2 touchscreen series. A Garmin AIS-capable device is also required. The feature is included in the 2025 marine software update, which is available now as a free download from the ActiveCaptain mobile app or via Garmin’s marine device software update page.