Stay safe this Easter with the new MarineRescue App

by Ken McManus on 2 Apr 2015 Boaters have been encouraged to make sure they have the new MarineRescue App on board to help them stay safe on the water this Easter.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the service’s volunteers would be on watch over the Easter weekend, the last chance for many boaters to get out on the water for a few days before the colder weather set in.

“Boaters heading out over the long weekend should make sure they download the free MarineRescue smartphone App, which puts safer boating at their fingertips and can help them enjoy a trouble-free Easter journey,” he said.

“The MarineRescue App enables boaters to Log On directly with Marine Rescue with the click of a few buttons so they can be sure someone responsible knows they’re out there, where they’re headed and when they’re planning to return so a search can be quickly mounted if they’re overdue.”

Almost 4000 boaters have downloaded the app in its first three weeks, with about 10 per cent of all Log Ons made via the app since its release in early March.

“Clearly, these skippers are seeing the safety benefits of the MarineRescue App,” Commissioner Tannos said.

“And when they choose the app’s safety tracking option, which updates their position every half hour, they have the extra confidence of knowing that rescue crews will know where to start searching for them in the event of an emergency.”

The app, suitable for both Apple and Android phones and tablets, gives boaters quick access to:

- Local tide, weather and sea conditions;
- Latitude and longitude position coordinates;
- Boat ramp locations and popular fishing spots’;
- A safety checklist to review before they head out;
- Emergency call procedures
- Information about Marine Rescue NSW

The MarineRescue App is a valuable additional tool in a boater’s safety toolkit. All the mandatory safety equipment must still be carried on board. Download at the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google play (for Androids).