Risk and Sanctions Terms
The vocabulary of screening: the identifiers a ship broadcasts, the ways they are manipulated, the designations that restrict trade and the ownership behind the registry.
AIS Spoofing
The falsification of a ship’s broadcast position or identity on AIS to disguise where she really is or what she really is.
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
A VHF transponder system that broadcasts a ship’s identity, position, course and speed for collision avoidance and tracking.
Dark Fleet
The population of ageing, opaquely owned and often uninsured tankers that move sanctioned oil while disguising their movements.
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
A nine-digit number identifying a ship’s radio station, used by AIS and distress systems; distinct from the permanent IMO number.
Sanctions
Government measures restricting trade or dealings with designated entities, vessels, cargoes or jurisdictions.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)
The real person or company that ultimately owns or controls a vessel, behind the layers of registered and disponent owners.
Where these terms show up on The Maritime
About these definitions. Plain-English reference definitions of standard shipping concepts: our own explanations, not legal advice. Each term page opens with the definition, explains how the concept works and links to the desk where The Maritime measures it. The first entry is AIS Spoofing.
Glossary last reviewed: .