Yacht registration via SafeTrx
Skippers are being encouraged to register their vessel details with RYA Safetrx.
The HM Coastguard Safety Identification Scheme better known as CG66, which allows Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities to easily access vessel details during an incident, was replaced by RYA Safetrx in July 2018. Existing CG66 data will be deleted in March.
RYA Safetrx is divided into two parts – an online database of account and vessel details, which can be updated immediately at any time by the vessel owner, and a mobile phone app which, as well as vessel registration, can also track voyages through Sail Plan and Track Only modes, and report overdue boats in Sail Plan mode. The app does not replace Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) but is designed to work alongside other safety devices such as DSC VHF and EPIRBS, as a supporting tool. Those wanting to register can do so at safetrx.rya.org.uk. Skippers can also continue to register their individual voyage details with the Coastguard via VHF Ch 16.
RYA Safetrx is available to anyone, not just RYA members.
While it encourages its members to register their boat details, the Cruising Association (CA) has been critical of the app, stating that the publicity about it doesn’t make it clear that it is not intended for cruisers, the Sail Plan and Track Only mode are dependent on mobile coverage and battery power and there are over-strict timing stipulations for overdue vessels. The 30-minute time limit for notifying the emergency shore contact if boats are overdue has been set by the Coastguard.
The chair of the CA’S Regulations and Technical Services group, Robin Baron, said mobile phone coverage was a ‘fundamental problem’.
‘In particular we think that Sail Plan mode must be used judiciously and only when you are certain that you will have mobile coverage when you arrive at your destination,’ he said.
But the RYA, which manages the system, has defended the app.
Its cruising manager, Stuart Carruthers, said it was intended to ‘fill the gap between nothing and GMDSS and is aimed at those who may not carry emergency alerting devices like an EPIRB, such as day boats and small RIBS.
‘I would expect sailors who go offshore to be fully kitted out with GMDSS communication equipment. I would not expect people doing that kind of boating to be using the app,’ stressed Carruthers.
The app works by sending the vessel’s position to the Safetrx server every five minutes. Even if the mobile phone signal is lost, the positions are stored and transmitted as soon as the signal comes back. If the user fails to report safe arrival by the logged ETA then a series of escalating text messages are sent to the boater asking them to end or extend the trip ETA. After 30 minutes, a text is sent to the emergency shore contact advising them to make contact with the boat immediately. If contact can’t be made, the emergency contact is advised to call the Coastguard, quoting the given trip number.
The head of infrastructure for HM Coastguard, Matt Leat, said sailors should not worry about triggering an unnecessary SAR operation.
‘We would rather do an investigation, track the vessel on AIS, contract the vessel using VHF or check on the vessel’s welfare, via the details supplied via RYA Safetrx, and find out it was a false alarm than waiting too long before starting SAR,’ he stressed.
‘If skippers are aware they will be later than their ETA then they can always ring their shore-based contact or contact the Coastguard on VHF Ch 16 to let us know,’ added Leat.