AIS Signal and Channel Dataset from Tórshavn Harbor and Surrounding Islands (Faroe Islands)

This dataset contains Automatic Identification System (AIS) messages and associated radio-channel metadata collected from T\u00f3rshavn Harbor and surrounding islands in the Faroe Islands. AIS signals were received with a software-defined radio (RTL-SDR v3) connected to a vertically-polarized VHF antenna mounted 60 m a.s.l., tuned to the two AIS channels 87B (161.975 MHz) and 88B (162.025 MHz). The receiver operated with fixed 20 dB RF gain (AGC off) to ensure consistent received-signal-strength indicator (RSSI) readings. Real-time demodulation and decoding were performed using the open-source AIS-catcher software, which outputs both decoded message fields and physical-layer metadata. Each decoded record includes the vessel MMSI, latitude, longitude, timestamp, AIS channel, and RSSI, together with dynamic fields such as course, speed, and heading when available.Data were recorded continuously from 9 July to 23 September 2025, yielding 7.8 million messages from 547 unique vessels within a 101 NM radius. The dataset covers diverse maritime environments\u2014harbor basins, coastal channels, and open-water approaches\u2014and provides a representative sample of Faroese vessel activity. This combined signal- and message-level resource supports research in maritime communications, radio-propagation modeling, vessel-behavior analysis, and AIS spoofing detection using physical-layer indicators.Sample:2025-07-09 02:43:04,269 - {\"class\":\"AIS\",\"device\":\"AIS-catcher\",\"version\":61,\"driver\":1,\"hardware\":\"RTL2838UHIDIR\",\"rxtime\":\"20250709014304\",\"scaled\":true,\"channel\":\"B\",\"nmea\":[\"!AIVDM,1,1,,B,13M8q:?01=wQWDrSQDmQ=Q460@2L,0*47\"],\"signalpower\":-16.639660,\"ppm\":0.578704,\"type\":1,\"repeat\":0,\"mmsi\":231881000,\"status\":15,\"status_text\":\"Not defined\",\"speed\":7.7,\"lon\":-6.637818,\"lat\":62.076946,\"course\":31.0,\"heading\":34,\"second\":3,\"maneuver\":0,\"raim\":false,\"radio\":65692}