Question 1

What is FerryFetch?

Accepted Answer

FerryFetch is a live ferry tracker. It combines AIS vessel positions with operator schedules to show ferry status, ETAs, and delay alerts in one place.

Question 2

How does live tracking work?

Accepted Answer

FerryFetch reads AIS (Automatic Identification System) signals broadcast by each vessel and updates positions and ETAs every few seconds.

Question 3

How often is the data updated?

Accepted Answer

Vessel positions and status refresh continuously as new AIS signal arrives, typically every few seconds.

Question 4

Which ferry operators does FerryFetch cover?

Accepted Answer

FerryFetch currently tracks BC Ferries routes, with more operators planned as coverage expands.

Question 5

Is FerryFetch free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tracking live ferry status, ETAs, and delay alerts on FerryFetch is free.

Question 6

Why does FerryFetch show a different status than the operator's own site?

Accepted Answer

FerryFetch tracks vessels directly using AIS signal, independent of the operator's own status page, so it can surface delays or position changes before the operator updates their site.

Question 7

What is the difference between a predicted and confirmed ETA?

Accepted Answer

A predicted ETA is FerryFetch's estimate from live vessel position and speed. A confirmed ETA is locked in once the vessel is close enough to its destination for the arrival time to be certain.

Question 8

How do I get started with FerryFetch?

Accepted Answer

Open FerryFetch on the web or the iOS and Android app, search for your route, and you see its live status straight away. No account is needed to check a sailing.

Question 9

Which platforms does FerryFetch support?

Accepted Answer

FerryFetch runs in any modern browser and as a native app for iOS and Android.

Question 10

Does FerryFetch send push notifications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Follow a sailing in the app to get a push notification when AIS and schedule data indicate a delay, an early departure, or a cancellation.

Question 11

How often is a vessel's position updated?

Accepted Answer

Vessel positions and ETAs refresh continuously as new AIS signal arrives, typically every few seconds while a vessel is under way.

Question 12

What does the ETA confidence label mean?

Accepted Answer

Confidence (HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW) describes how reliable the ETA itself is, based mainly on the vessel's speed and how fresh its AIS signal is. A tilde before a time means the estimate is approximate.

Question 13

Can I follow more than one route at a time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can follow as many routes and sailings as you like, and each one alerts you independently.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Get the technical