Abstract: In order to reduce the loss of AIS data, increase the communication distance of AIS base station, and solve the problem of single communication coverage area, a rotating controllable binary Yagi antenna array is designed for the deficiency of traditional AIS omnidirectional antenna and directional antenna. Each array element is composed of Yagi antenna array, and the two array elements can be rotated synchronously or separately. When the two Yagi antennas are parallel, the antenna array has the maximum gain and can be tested up to nearly 17 dBi. Through the AIS information receiving experiment, the antenna can receive AIS information from the waters within the range of 50 n mile from the Yangtze River estuary . The fast switching of the pattern can be achieved by rotating and changing the angle of the antenna elements. The HFSS based on finite element algorithm is used for simulation, and the simulation results are similar to the experimental results. The antenna array not only ensures the communication distance, but also enables the beam to be quickly converted, so that the communication distance is longer and the flexibility is better than that of the general antenna. It has certain reference value for AIS reliable data exchange and maritime supervision.