THE RNLI’S TOP TIPS FOR WATERCRAFT

■ 1 Get some training for your activity.

■ 2 Check weather and tides for the duration of your trip.

■ 3 Tell someone where you’re going, what time you’ll be back and ensure they know who to contact if you don’t return when stated. They should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. This is where the Safe Trx app is so important.

■ 4 Maintain your engine in accordance with the manufacturer’s servicing schedule. Know how to carry out simple maintenance tasks. ■ 5 Carry sufficient fuel for your trip. As a minimum, follow the ‘thirds rule,’ which is a third to get there, a third to get back, plus a third in reserve. ■ 6 Carry an effective means of calling for help. The GG66 scheme is being phased out, and boaters are advised to use the Safe Trx app on their smart phones, which is supported by the RYA to allow it to be free to UK users.

WHAT IS SAFE TRX?

Users set up the app providing details of their boat and emergency contacts.

The app is launched at the start of your trip. Enter a sail plan and the app texts

your contacts to let them know you’re starting a trip and what time you’re expected back. The text also includes a link that they can click to track your boat.

While the sail plan is running, a twostage emergency call button appears on the boatowner’s phone. During the trip you can extend the time you’re expected back. When your planned end of trip is reached, you receive a text to remind you to end your sail plan, at which stage your contacts will receive a text to say you’re back.

If you don’t end the sail plan, it texts you another reminder 15 minutes later. If you still don’t end the plan, 15 minutes after that it texts your contacts to say you’re overdue, again with the link to track your boat, asking them to contact you, and also tells them to call the Coastguard if they can’t get an answer. The tracking facility shows where you are or were in the case of a catastrophe. Safe Trx does not replace a VHF, PLB or EPIRB as the most effective means of calling for help, if people on the boat are able to call for help themselves. Visit: www.safetrxapp.com

CONTACT

Three ways to book an Advice On Board visit:

■ Ask for the Community Safety Officer at your nearest RNLI station.

■ Tel: 0300 300 9990.

■ Web: https://rnli.org/safety/what-wecan-do-for-you/what-we-can-do-enquiry NEXT ISSUE: LIFEJACKETS AND THEIR SERVICING