> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.datadocked.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Credits

> Understanding the Data Docked credit system

## How Credits Work

Data Docked uses a credit-based pricing system. Each API request consumes a certain number of credits depending on the endpoint and data returned.

## Credit Costs by Endpoint

### Account

| Endpoint   | Credits |
| ---------- | ------- |
| My Credits | 0       |

### Vessel Operations

| Endpoint                        | Credits |
| ------------------------------- | ------- |
| Get Vessel Location             | 1       |
| Get Vessel Particulars          | 1       |
| Get Vessel Engine Data          | 1       |
| Get Vessel Management Data      | 1       |
| Vessel Details by Name          | 1       |
| Vessel Weather Data             | 1       |
| Vessel Inspection Data          | 3       |
| Get Vessel Info (comprehensive) | 5       |
| Get Vessels by Area             | 10      |

### Variable Pricing

| Endpoint             | Pricing                              |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Bulk Location Search | 1 credit per vessel queried          |
| Historical Data      | 5 credits per unique date in results |

### Port Operations

| Endpoint             | Credits |
| -------------------- | ------- |
| Port Calls by Vessel | 5       |
| Port Calls by Port   | 50      |

## Checking Your Balance

Check your remaining credits at any time:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://datadocked.com/api/vessels_operations/my-credits" \
  -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"
```

Response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "detail": "99929 credits left."
}
```

## Tips for Managing Credits

<Tip>
  Use the most efficient endpoint for your needs. If you only need location data, use `get-vessel-location` (1 credit) instead of `get-vessel-info` (5 credits).
</Tip>

### Choose the Right Endpoint

* **Need just position?** Use `get-vessel-location` (1 credit)
* **Need full details?** Use `get-vessel-info` (5 credits) - more efficient than calling multiple endpoints

### Batch Requests

For multiple vessels, use the bulk endpoint:

* Individual calls: 10 vessels × 1 credit = 10 credits
* Bulk endpoint: 10 vessels = 10 credits (same cost, fewer requests)

### Cache Responses

AIS data typically updates every few minutes. Consider caching responses to avoid unnecessary duplicate requests.

## Purchasing Credits

Visit your [dashboard](https://datadocked.com/dashboard) to view available credit packages and purchase additional credits.