RYA SafeTrx — the vessel tracking, safety and communications platform — will be discontinued at the end of this month, from 31 December.
The decision to close the service was made by the Royal Yachting Association in discussion with HM Coastguard, due to advances in technology since the app’s inception.
HM Coastguard’s search and rescue services remain fully operational, alongside all other safety measures, equipment and resources.
Moreover, users of Irish Sailing’s SafeTrx app are unaffected by this change.
The RYA and HM Coastguard are also working together to ensure that the data originally provided to RYA SafeTrx will be transferred to a secure database within HM Coastguard.
Users that do not want their data to be transferred to HM Coastguard are asked to delete their account prior to the app closing on 31 December. Thereafter, users can update or remove details by emailing [email protected].
Mel Hide, RYA director of external affairs said: “We appreciate that the news that the tracking side of RYA SafeTrx will no longer be provided will be disappointing for active users of the app. However, we are pleased that ownership and vessel data held within RYA SafeTrx will be transferred to HM Coastguard and can continue to be referenced in an emergency.”
Assistant Chief Coastguard Matt Leat added: “While we are sorry to see RYA SafeTrx come to an end, we want to reassure all water users that this change will not affect HM Coastguard’s ability to respond to emergencies and rescue those in distress.
“Your safety remains our top priority. To ensure you can call for help when needed, please make sure you carry appropriate safety equipment, such as lifejackets, and have reliable means of communication, such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.”
