RYA launches SafeTrx Smartphone App

by Louise Nicholls on 25 Jun 2014 RYA SafeTrx is a Smartphone App that lets boat users in UK territorial waters to plan their passage on a smartphone.

Users can enter a passage plan and estimated time of arrival (ETA) directly to their Smartphone (Android and Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad).

These are stored and monitored by the RYA SafeTrx app and will alert the designated emergency contacts if the ETA is exceeded.

Once the emergency contact has called HM Coastguard they will be able to access your location data via the RYA SafeTrx Trip secure server.

Skippers can amend the passage plan en route and the system responds to any signal loss by continuing to acquire and store information. Once the signal is recovered, it is sent to the RYA SafeTrx server and resumes transmission of location information.

'Although RYA SafeTrx is not intended as a replacement for regular approved safety devices (VHF, APIB, AIS, etc.), it will be beneficial to the one million users of small powerboats, RIBs, PWCs and for dinghy cruisers for whom existing tracking technology is not always practical, said Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager.

'Until now a simple, cost-effective system of tracking and alerting has not been available for these boat users. When we learned about this app and its enormous safety benefits we knew that we had to bring it to the UK.'

The RYA SafeTrx App is free to download and the tracking service is free for RYA members. Non-members can buy trip bundles for £1.49 (10 trips) and £2.49 (20 trips). RYA members also have access to a number of features including access to the Performance Mode which provides trip analytics to review performance.

Login into the app using your RYA website username and password. Users can manage their account, trip details and for RYA members, analytics via the secure RYA SafeTrx website.

Keith Oliver, Head of Maritime Operations at the Maritime Coastguard Agency. 'During a search and rescue incident the UK Coastguard collects vital information about the people and vessels involved, helping to narrow down the search area as much as possible.

'When did they set off? Where were they going? When were they due back? What was their last known location? These are all vital pieces of the puzzle and the Coastguard welcomes any system that can contribute to the information gathering effort. RYA SafeTrx will help provide this information, meaning that valuable time is not lost.'

'We are delighted the RYA chose our SafeTrx product to help support safe, responsible leisure boating in the UK', said John Murphy, General Manager of DeCare Systems Ireland (DSI). 'RYA SafeTrx will make it easier for skippers to plan and execute their trips whilst providing assurance to friends and partners ashore. We are very proud to be working with one of world's most respected boating associations.'

Don’t ruin a good day out on the water. Be safe; enjoy more. Remember the four key safety messages: Look after yourself, have a plan, keep in touch and know your limits.