Interactive map allows for real-time view of the world's sailing ships
Digital Reporter
Monday, May 26, 2014, 6:00 PM - You can watch all of the world's ship sail across the ocean in real-time, courtesy of the Marine Traffic map.
The interactive map is quite addictive once you get the hang of it. Users can select different layers to filter out ports and stations.
Zooming in on a vessel will give you its name and, when available, a photograph of the ship. Ships are colour-coded and tagged depending on whether they are a cargo, tanker or passenger ship.
The map uses data from transponders to broadcast a ship's name, position, course and speed in an effort to avoid collisions.
RELATED: Hundreds fall ill after cruise ship viral outbreak
All commercial vessels over 299 gross tonnage are required to use the identification system.
It refreshes every 100 seconds with updated ships and their positions.
You can check out a simple version of the map below. Visit MarineTraffic.com for the full version.
