Embarking on a research voyage, we delve into the expansive sea, utilizing artificial intelligence as our compass to tackle the formidable challenge of preventing abuse and illegal activities. Our focus centers on the Ionian-Adriatic Sea, where the innovative application of a deep Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, operating on AIS data of varying quality, emerges as a powerful tool. During the EU ANDROMEDA H2020 project's trial period in the Adriatic-Ionian region, our model stands as a sentinel, proficiently identifying nine common vessel classes. Beyond conventional classifications, it excels in detecting vessels engaged in unexpected behaviors, presenting a significant leap forward in bolstering maritime security. This impactful research, recognized and published in esteemed scientific and maritime journals, has garnered acclaim by winning the prestigious Best Paper Award. Beyond demonstrating the prowess of artificial intelligence in navigating the complexities of the sea, t