Regarding automatic identification systems, AIS provides the other vessel's identity, dimensions and navigational status regardless of visibility.

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Automatic Identification System broadcasts are designed to share key details about other vessels directly over VHF, so you can know who is nearby even when you can’t see them. The data sent include the vessel’s identity (like the name and MMSI), its dimensions (length and beam), and its navigational status (such as underway or at anchor). Because these are transmitted automatically and do not depend on visual or radar contact, you can receive this information in poor visibility conditions. The other options miss one or more of these essential data elements: speed and rate of turn are also sent by AIS but aren’t the only items; position history implies a stored trace rather than the current identity and size; weather data aren’t part of AIS. Thus, the combination of identity, dimensions, and navigational status that is broadcast regardless of visibility is the best match.