Real-Time Tracking

Track Deadliest Catch Vessels Live

Use AIS (Automatic Identification System) data to monitor the location, speed, and course of fishing vessels in real-time

Tracking Platforms

MarineTraffic

Real-time AIS tracking with detailed vessel information, historical routes, and maritime intelligence

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Key Features

  • Real-time vessel positions
  • Detailed vessel specifications
  • Port information and schedules
  • Voyage history tracking
  • Ship statistics and photos

Best For

Most comprehensive tracking with detailed analytics

VesselFinder

Interactive map-based vessel tracking platform with live AIS data and ship information

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Key Features

  • Clean interactive map interface
  • Live position updates
  • Ship specifications database
  • Route planning tools
  • Mobile app available

Best For

Easy-to-use interface for casual tracking

Global Fishing Watch

Specialized platform analyzing fishing vessel activity and ocean sustainability

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Key Features

  • Fishing activity analysis
  • Vessel behavior tracking
  • Catch zone identification
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Conservation data

Best For

Understanding fishing patterns and sustainability

How to Track a Vessel

1

Visit MarineTraffic or VesselFinder

Open either tracking platform in your browser

2

Search for the vessel

Enter the vessel name (e.g., "NORTHWESTERN") in the search box

3

View real-time information

See the vessel's current position, course, speed, and heading

4

Check vessel details

View specifications, voyage history, and port schedules

5

Monitor over time

Track seasonal movements and fishing ground patterns

Deadliest Catch Vessels

Vessel NameMMSICaptainStatusTrack Now
FV Northwestern338231000Sig Hansen

Actively Tracked ✓

Track
FV Wizard338247000Keith Colburn

Selective Tracking (Goes Dark)

AIS frequently disabled

Track
FV Time Bandit338381000Hansen Brothers

Actively Tracked ✓

Track
FV Cornelia Marie338152000Jake Anderson

Actively Tracked ✓

Track
FV Confidence367147430Featured Vessel

Actively Tracked ✓

Track

Understanding AIS Gaps

When tracking FV Wizard and other vessels, you may notice periods where the AIS position stops updating. This is known as "going dark."

Why vessels go dark:

  • • Strategic competitive advantage (hiding fishing location)
  • • Equipment maintenance or testing
  • • Signal loss in coastal areas
  • • Deliberate AIS disabling (legal gray area in fishing)

How to detect "going dark":

  • • Last position shows, then no updates for hours/days
  • • Sudden reappearance miles away from last position
  • • Vessel routes along coasts where tracking is sparse
  • • Patterns correlating with darkness hours

Learn More About Communications

Explore detailed technical information about AIS, satellite systems, and vessel tracking technology

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