Track live vessel traffic on the Great Lakes and beyond with real-time AIS data. View ship positions, speed, destination, and detailed profiles. Ideal for enthusiasts, photographers, and maritime professionals.
1.0.1
September 17, 2026
A little maintenance below deck. • Fixed several bugs affecting vessel tracking and map interactions. • Improved app stability and performance. • Polished a few rough edges across the app. • Various other fixes to keep BoatNerd running smoothly. Fair winds and following seas.
MoreBoatNerd is a free navigation app that provides live AIS vessel tracking across the Great Lakes and other waterways. It allows users to monitor real-time ship positions, speed, and destination information.
Yes, BoatNerd is completely free to download and use. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements, making it a fully free experience for all users.
BoatNerd is available for iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is optimized for mobile use with an easy-to-understand interface.
Vessel tracking accuracy in BoatNerd depends on AIS signal availability and coverage. Some areas may experience limited or delayed data, but the app strives to provide the most up-to-date information possible.
Yes, BoatNerd features a Vessel Passage Section that allows you to view both past and future passages of vessels. This provides historical context and helps in planning.
BoatNerd provides free US and Canadian Nautical Chart Layers, as well as weather and buoy layers. While these layers enhance navigation, the live tracking functionality requires an active internet connection due to its reliance on AIS data.
BoatNerd is updated frequently, powered by AIS data sources. The app was last updated on June 23, 2026, with version 1.0, indicating ongoing development and data integration.
With BoatNerd, you can track a wide variety of vessels including freighters, tankers, tugboats, and passenger vessels. The app provides real-time information on their positions, speed, course, and destination.
