Authentication

API Key Authentication

All Data Docked API requests require authentication using an API key. Pass your API key in the x-api-key header with every request.

curl -X GET "https://datadocked.com/api/vessels_operations/get-vessel-location?imo_or_mmsi=9247431" \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"

Create an account

Navigate to API Keys

Go to your dashboard and find the API Keys section

Copy your key

Copy your API key and store it securely

Never expose your API key in client-side code or public repositories.

export DATADOCKED_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"

import os

api_key = os.environ.get("DATADOCKED_API_KEY")

const apiKey = process.env.DATADOCKED_API_KEY;

If your API key is invalid or missing, you’ll receive a 401 Unauthorized response:

{
  "error": "Unauthorized",
  "message": "Invalid or missing API key"
}

Error	Cause	Solution
Missing API key	No `x-api-key` header	Add the header to your request
Invalid API key	Incorrect key value	Check for typos or use the correct key
Expired key	Key has been revoked	Generate a new key in your dashboard