SYSTEM FOR MONITORING MARINE VESSELS USING A SATELLITE NETWORK WITH DETERMINATION AT A TERRESTRIAL STATION OF PASSENGER LISTS FOR THE VESSELS BASED ON VESSEL IDENTIFICATION DATA OBTAINED FROM THE SATELLITES AND PASSENGER SOCIAL MEDIA DATA.

摘要

A system for monitoring marine vessels using a satellite network may include a plurality of satellite payloads to be carried by respective satellites. Each satellite payload may include a communications interface configured to communicate via the satellite network, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to communicate with the plurality of marine vessels, and a controller cooperating with the communications interface and the RF transceiver. The controller may be configured to obtain automatic identification system (AIS) data including vessel position and call sign information via the RF transceiver, and communicate the AIS system data via the communications interface. The system may further include a terrestrial station configured to receive the AIS system data, receive social media data, and determine expected passenger lists for the marine vessels based upon the AIS data and social media data.