> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://terminal49.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vessels

> Vessel identity, AIS position, and projected route data available on Terminal49 shipments and the Vessels API.

Every tracked shipment includes the vessel on the current voyage: name, IMO number, and voyage number. That identity comes from the ocean carrier and is available as soon as the carrier publishes the voyage.

AIS position and projected route are available through the [Vessels API](/docs/api-docs/api-reference/vessels/get-a-vessel-using-the-id) with the Routing Data / vessel positions entitlement — a separate account enablement, not included in every paid plan. Without it, the position endpoints return `403 Forbidden`. See [entitlements](/docs/api-docs/useful-info/entitlements).

## What you get

| Data                         | Source         | Availability                                                                    |
| ---------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Vessel name                  | Ocean carrier  | On the shipment and transport events once the voyage is known                   |
| IMO number                   | Ocean carrier  | Same as vessel name                                                             |
| Voyage number                | Ocean carrier  | Same as vessel name                                                             |
| MMSI                         | AIS            | Vessels API, Routing Data entitlement                                           |
| Current latitude / longitude | AIS            | Vessels API, Routing Data entitlement                                           |
| Speed and heading            | AIS            | Vessels API, Routing Data entitlement                                           |
| Position timestamp           | AIS            | Vessels API, Routing Data entitlement                                           |
| Position history             | AIS            | Vessels API when `show_positions` is true                                       |
| Projected route              | AIS + schedule | [Future positions](/docs/api-docs/api-reference/vessels/get-vessel-future-positions) |

## How to look up a vessel

* [`GET /vessels/{id}`](/docs/api-docs/api-reference/vessels/get-a-vessel-using-the-id) — Terminal49 vessel ID from a shipment or event
* [`GET /vessels/{imo}`](/docs/api-docs/api-reference/vessels/get-a-vessel-using-the-imo) — when you already have the IMO number
* [`GET /vessels/{id}/future_positions`](/docs/api-docs/api-reference/vessels/get-vessel-future-positions) — estimated positions between ports, one minute apart

Use the [map](/docs/api-docs/in-depth-guides/terminal49-map) and [routing](/docs/api-docs/in-depth-guides/routing) guides when you want to plot the voyage.

## What vessel data is not

AIS coverage is not a substitute for carrier milestones. A position update does not mean the container is loaded, discharged, or available. Treat AIS as the vessel's location; treat ocean, terminal, and rail events as the container's status.