An Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder and method for transmitting vessel AIS data can include an onboard processor and database, a VHF AIS transceiver and cellular modem connected to the processor, and a navigation sub-system for providing position inputs to the processor. The processor can include written instructions for transmitting only single sentence AIS messages when the transponder is within RsAIS of a satellite but outside range RtAIS of a terrestrial AIS base station, and switching to the base station when the vessel is within RtAIS but outside of cellular modem range, Rcell. While transmitting to the AIS satellite or AIS base station, portions of the vessel AIS are recorded to the database as historical data. Once within Rcell, the transponder can switch to transmission via cellular modem to an AIS architecture server. Historical data can also be downloaded to complete and update the vessel AIS data profile within AIS.