Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding automatic identification systems (AIS)?

Correct Answer: Option C — AIS provides near real-time information regarding another vessel's speed over ground and heading regardless of visibility.

AIS broadcasts dynamic navigational data, including Speed Over Ground (SOG) and true heading, derived from external sensors independent of visual range or radar atmospheric conditions. While supplementary to radar and visual observations, it offers near real-time tracking data regardless of fog, rain, or sea clutter obscuring targets.