Study Reveals Over Half of Scotland’s Coastal Vessels Go Untracked

A new study reveals that over half of Scotland’s coastal vessels operate untracked, raising significant concerns for safety, security, and environmental monitoring. Discover what this means for the future of maritime operations.”

Why Vessel Tracking Matters in Coastal and Global Maritime Operations

Scotland’s rugged coastline stretches over 18,000 kilometers—longer than the coasts of France and Italy combined. This dynamic maritime zone supports fishing, aquaculture, shipping, offshore energy, and tourism. However, a recent study has raised serious concerns: over 55% of coastal vessels operating in Scottish waters are not transmitting tracking data via AIS (Automatic Identification System) or equivalent means.

For a nation reliant on the sea for livelihoods, transport, and energy, the implications are vast. From maritime safety and emergency response to environmental protection and national security, vessel visibility is critical. The study—conducted by researchers at the University of St Andrews in partnership with Global Fishing Watch, MarineTraffic, and the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)—offers a sobering look into maritime blind spots that remain hidden in plain sight.

What the Research Uncovered

The report analyzed AIS transmission logs from 2022–2024 and compared them with satellite imagery, port entries, and VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) data. It focused on vessels under 300 gross tonnage (GT), especially fishing boats, workboats, small cargo vessels, and pleasure craft.

Key Findings:

  • 55% of coastal vessels in Scottish waters were either transmitting no AIS data or did so intermittently.
  • 80% of untracked vessels were fishing or recreational craft under 15 meters.
  • Most untracked vessel activity occurred near offshore wind farms, fish farms, and remote islands, raising safety concerns.
  • There was limited correlation between port logs and AIS transmissions, suggesting gaps in reporting.

This aligns with European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) concerns on small vessel tracking gaps in their Annual Maritime Transport Report (2023).

Technologies Driving Modern Vessel Visibility

Automatic Identification System (AIS)

AIS is an IMO-mandated technology for ships over 300 GT on international voyages, transmitting identity, position, speed, and course every few seconds. However, smaller vessels are generally exempt, unless national laws or private insurance require it.

Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)

Primarily used for fisheries, VMS is managed by national authorities to monitor the location and activity of commercial fishing vessels. While more secure and less prone to tampering than AIS, VMS data is not public.

Satellite-Based Tracking (SAT-AIS and SAR Imagery)

In the absence of AIS or VMS, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical satellite imaging help identify untracked marine activity. These tools, used by MarineTraffic, Spire Global, and exactEarth, are critical for tracking dark vessels.

Mobile-Based Voluntary Tracking Tools

Newer tools like Inmarsat’s Fleet Safety, Orbcomm, and Global Fishing Watch’s mobile tracking app allow small vessel operators to voluntarily transmit position data, even from smartphones.

Risks of Untracked Vessel Activity

Maritime Safety and Emergency Response

When vessels don’t transmit tracking data, they are invisible to coastguards, rescue services, and nearby ships. In an emergency—like a fire, collision, or grounding—this lack of visibility can delay response and cost lives.

The UK’s Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has repeatedly cited vessel invisibility as a critical factor in incidents. For example, the 2021 sinking of FV Nicola Faith off Wales lacked real-time tracking data, complicating rescue operations and the subsequent investigation.

National and Border Security

Untracked vessels present challenges for surveillance and maritime law enforcement. Illegal fishing, smuggling, and even human trafficking may go undetected. The Scottish Government Marine Directorate has expressed concern over vessel activity near sensitive energy installations and military areas.

Environmental Monitoring

Without tracking, vessels discharging oil, waste, or fishing illegally are harder to catch. This undermines the enforcement of MARPOL regulations, EU Fisheries Control Regulations, and Marine Protected Area (MPA) rules.

“Dark” vessels operating in sensitive zones can have disproportionate ecological impacts, such as illegal bottom trawling or anchoring in protected seabeds.

Why Many Vessels Remain Untracked

Regulatory Exemptions

As per IMO SOLAS Chapter V, vessels under 300 GT are exempt from mandatory AIS, unless operating internationally. UK regulations offer further exemptions, especially for small-scale fishing boats and leisure craft.

Cost and Accessibility

Installing AIS Class B transceivers can cost upwards of £500–£1500, not including annual service fees. For seasonal fishermen or low-income vessel owners, this is prohibitive.

Privacy and Commercial Secrecy

Some vessel operators intentionally disable AIS to hide fishing grounds or avoid scrutiny. While this may protect commercial interests, it increases risks to others at sea.

Limited Enforcement

While MCA and Scottish marine authorities can mandate AIS in certain zones, enforcement is sparse due to limited patrols and port inspections.

Real-World Case Studies

Case 1: Collision Avoided Near Orkney

In 2023, a passenger ferry on approach to Kirkwall nearly collided with a small, unlit workboat operating without AIS. The ferry altered course at the last moment after radar picked up an unidentified target. This led to a review of safety zones around key port entries.

Case 2: Ghost Fishing Gear in Outer Hebrides

Marine researchers from University of the Highlands and Islands found extensive ghost fishing gear entangled in reefs near Barra. Many items were traced to vessels that had no AIS history in the area. The lack of traceability delayed enforcement and clean-up.

Case 3: Illegal Shellfish Harvesting in Firth of Forth

In 2022, unlicensed vessels were caught harvesting razor clams and scallops in restricted zones. Satellite imagery revealed their positions, but by the time authorities acted, the vessels were gone. No AIS data was available.

Solutions and Recommendations

Policy and Regulation

  • Mandate AIS for all vessels over 10 meters operating commercially within Scottish waters.
  • Establish coastal AIS corridors around ports, wind farms, and protected areas.
  • Update UK MCA enforcement protocols to include random AIS checks and stricter port inspections.

Financial Incentives

  • Offer subsidies or grants for AIS Class B installation under Scottish Marine Fund or UK Blue Belt Programme.
  • Partner with insurance providers to offer premium reductions for tracked vessels.

Technological Innovation

  • Promote low-cost AIS alternatives or mobile-based tracking tools.
  • Use machine learning and satellite analytics to identify suspicious patterns of dark vessels.
  • Integrate public satellite tools (like MarineTraffic’s Ship Map) with local marine law enforcement.

Education and Awareness

  • Conduct outreach with small vessel owners on the benefits of AIS: collision avoidance, emergency rescue, legal protection.
  • Partner with groups like Seafish UK and Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation to host training workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is AIS, and why is it important?
AIS is a tracking system that allows ships to broadcast their identity and position. It improves collision avoidance, emergency response, and vessel monitoring.

Why are small boats not required to have AIS?
Regulations typically exempt vessels under 300 GT unless operating internationally. These rules were created when tracking tech was expensive and less accessible.

Are untracked vessels illegal?
Not always. Many operate legally under current exemptions. However, the lack of visibility can still pose safety and environmental risks.

Can AIS be turned off?
Yes, and it often is—intentionally or due to equipment failure. Turning it off without reason in regulated zones may breach maritime law.

How can authorities detect untracked vessels?
Through radar, satellite imagery, port surveillance, and community reports. But these methods require time, money, and personnel.

Are there affordable AIS options for small boat owners?
Yes. New Class B transceivers and mobile-based tracking apps are lowering costs. Some pilot programs in Europe offer units for free.

Conclusion

The study on Scotland’s untracked coastal vessels shines a spotlight on a growing global issue—the maritime blind spots that compromise safety, security, and sustainability. While the sea has long been a place of freedom and mystery, the modern maritime world must balance tradition with transparency.

If Scotland is to remain a leader in maritime innovation, heritage, and ecology, addressing this data gap is essential. Through a combination of policy, technology, and education, a safer and smarter future for coastal navigation is within reach.

As the saying goes: “What gets measured, gets managed.” And right now, too many Scottish vessels are sailing off the radar.

References

 

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