Since poor old Sam has copped a bit of a flogging for his no-deck-watch-while-hove-to thread, I thought it safest to start a new one.
Can someone remind me of the good link to live tracking of shipping - I know it has been on here somewhere. I am keen to put in a good period of watching the sea-lanes in Bass Strait, before venturing out there, probably solo and without AIS (at this stage). I am well aware of the seamanship limitations that come with solo sailing, so the next most important thing is to stay out of the way of the majority of shipping.
As winter has set in down here, it looks like these forays into the Strait will have to wait till after the spring gales - next season.

AIS not mandatory for vessels under 300 ton
Your call!

Thanks for the marine traffic app! I signed up. Looks like your own vessel will show up on there too as an unidentified recreational vessel

I use an AIS receiver linked to my chart plotter and find it excellent for the larger ships, of which I have avoided 3 potential conflicts during which I have contacted the vessels in each occasion, something I could not have done without the receiver.
You do need the vessels name to get a response.

But, and there is always a but, most trawlers on the east coast will only use there AIS on rare occasions.
I have even seen then turn their AIS off as they start fishing!

That wouldn't help Samsturdy while having a sleep on his way north

But, having used the receiver for over 8 months of cruising, it is a good investment for your safety.