Pilot Plug

xSHIPx

About this app

Pilot Plug is a professional maritime navigation data viewer for pilots, captains, ship officers, and marine technicians.

It connects to a vessel’s pilot plug, AIS source, NMEA TCP stream, or compatible GPS/NMEA receiver over Wi-Fi and presents live ship movement information clearly on a mobile device - on the main bridge, bridge wing, or anywhere local navigation data is needed.

Why Pilot Plug

On many vessels, full navigation data is available on the main bridge but not always on the bridge wings. During docking and manoeuvring, the operator on the wing may control engines, thrusters, and rudder without direct access to heading, rate of turn, COG/SOG, precise position, or nearby AIS traffic.

Pilot Plug brings this information to a mobile device for pilotage, docking, manoeuvring, testing, and training.

Key features

- Live position, COG, SOG, heading, and rate of turn
- Pilot plug, AIS, NMEA TCP, and Wi-Fi GPS/NMEA receiver support
- AIS Map Mode with live external AIS targets
- Vessel outlines, labels, 6-minute vectors, vessel-type colours, dimensions, and antenna-position markers
- Offline World Maritime Overview map
- Support for downloadable regional map packs
- Special NMEA Mode for clean GPS/NMEA monitoring
- FREEZE function for stable position and time snapshots
- Source tagging for AIS, NMEA, and calculated values
- Freshness indicators for live, delayed, or stale data
- Docking Mode with surge, sway, bow sway, and aft sway
- Docking Prediction Mode / Docking Mode B with motion-based vessel projection
- KA motion logic developed from KlaipedaTraffic.lt vessel movement work
- Automatic AIS own-ship detection when static AIS data is available
- Manual ship setup for length, breadth, and GPS antenna offsets
- Selectable AIS and NMEA sources for position and heading
- Presets for Trenz+, Navicom, and KSNTEK, plus manual IP and port entry
- Smoothing and spike filtering for stable docking values
- Built-in user manual and safety information

AIS Map Mode

AIS Map Mode displays external AIS targets on an offline map. It can show vessel outlines, names, movement vectors, vessel-type colours, available dimensions, and AIS antenna positions.

The built-in World Maritime Overview provides basic offline coverage. Compatible regional map packs can be downloaded separately when available, allowing new areas to be added without replacing the app.

The AIS map is for situational awareness only. Target visibility and accuracy depend on the connected AIS source, received messages, data age, and connection quality.

Wi-Fi GPS and NMEA Mode

Pilot Plug can also be used with compatible GPS receivers and marine devices that output standard NMEA data over Wi-Fi/TCP.

The dedicated NMEA Mode provides position, COG, SOG, and time. The FREEZE function holds a stable snapshot for logbook entries or bridge reference.

Connection

Pilot Plug works with devices that expose an NMEA or AIS TCP feed.

Many pilot plug Wi-Fi networks have no internet access. Android may ask whether to stay connected. Select “Keep connection” or similar, otherwise Android may switch to mobile data and the app may lose the local connection.

Privacy and data

Pilot Plug processes navigation data locally. It does not collect, store, sell, or transmit personal data to the developer. It does not require an account, advertising services, or third-party cloud services.

One-time purchase. No ads. No subscriptions.

Professional use notice

Pilot Plug is an assistive monitoring tool intended for situational awareness, testing, training, and reference only.

It is not approved as a primary navigation system.

Do not use this app as the sole source for navigation, collision avoidance, docking, pilotage, or any safety-critical decision. Always rely on official ship instruments, approved navigational equipment, radar, ECDIS, visual lookout, bridge team procedures, and professional judgement. Cross-check all values against certified bridge equipment.

What’s new

Major AIS Map update

• Added AIS target trails for easier movement tracking
• Added Recenter to quickly return the map to your vessel position
• Added Measure + TTG for distance, bearing and time-to-go calculations
• Added native CPA/TCPA for closest-point-of-approach monitoring
• Added Docking Mode directly on the map with live surge, sway, bow and aft movement
• Added the new TOOLS menu for quick access to map functions
• General stability and interface improvements