Using iPhone and Android smartphone technology this tracking and alert system is easily accessible and ideal for those who don't usually register sail plans or carry navigational aids and distress alerting equipment on board (for use in UK territorial waters).
Directly from your smartphone you can enter your journey details and set off knowing that should you not return by the time given, a nominated emergency contact will be alerted and advised to initiate appropriate action.
When an emergency contact calls HM Coastguard about an overdue trip, they will have access to your location and SafeTrx Trip data through a secure SafeTrx server. Since the RYA SafeTrx App periodically sends your location data back to our servers, the Coastguard's response team can get help directly to you, and quickly.
RYA SafeTrx is an accessible tool that leisure craft users can use when going to sea. It does not replace GMDSS, EPIRB, PLB or AIS. It is especially useful for those who use smaller boats such as RIBs, open powerboats and dinghies or who do not use tracking and alerting devices on their boats.
Where do I download the app from?
You can download the RYA SafeTrx app from the UK
iOS 7.0 and above (filter by "iPhone Only" in the App Store)
OS 4.0 and above
How much does the RYA SafeTrx system cost?
The RYA SafeTrx app is free to download from Apple's App store and the Google Play store. Once downloaded, boaters can run unlimited free trips using the RYA SafeTrx app.
How do I get started?
- Download the app from UK
- Register on the RYA website if you have not done so previously, using your membership details if you are a member
- Login to the app with your website username and password
- Register your boat and emergency contact details
- Enter your trip details and ETA. Tap 'Set Sail'
- Arrive at destination, tap 'End Trip'
I am having a problem with my username and password.
Please contact web.support@rya.org.uk who will be able to assist you.
We have had some issues with RYA logins created before 2009. If you are able to sign in to the RYA website but your login details are not recognised on the SafeTrx App: Resave your password on the RYA website (can use the same password) and this should activate the account in the SafeTrx App (This may take a few minutes to update).
I am having a problem downloading or using the app.
Is the RYA SafeTrx app available for Windows smartphones?
There are currently no plans to make the SafeTrx app available on the Microsoft Windows platform. It currently only holds 10% of the mobile market share in the UK. SafeTrx has therefore focused the app to serve the more dominant mobile platforms, Android and iPhone. SafeTrx continually monitor the mobile market share and if the Microsoft Windows platform gains a significant share, SafeTrx will consider adding this platform.
Why can’t I use the RYA SafeTrx app on an Android tablet?
The RYA SafeTrx Android application is not available on extra-large screens such as tablets devices. The app is primarily a smartphone application and is therefore designed to fit such screen sizes and take advantage of the native features on the phone. Unlike the iPad, specific tablet layouts are required on Android and as such do not scale the application to provide a sufficient user experience.
If you have an Android smartphone with an operating system of 4.0 and above, you will be able to install the RYA SafeTrx app from the Google Play store. Alternatively, if you have an iPhone with iOS 7.0 and above, please download the app from the App Store.
What are the key components to the RYA SafeTrx system?
Who has access to my Trip Plan details?
Trip information is stored on a secure server hosted by the RYA. Only the boater and RYA have access to routine trip data, HM Coastguard can view trips that are overdue. Please note the RYA SafeTrx privacy statement is available to review.
How do I manage my account?
Can I view my completed trips?
You can access your trip history on the RYA SafeTrx Boater Website at https://safetrx.rya.org.uk/
Trips are listed by vessel name and the trip start time for each trip. Track Only mode trips are highlighted with an icon listed after the individual trip start time.
What happens if I fail to close my Trip Plan within the logged ETA?
If the trip plan is not closed then an automatic escalation process is triggered starting with a reminder and ending with an SMS message sent to the nominated emergency contacts. The full escalation process is as follows:
Escalation level 1
15 minutes before the ETA is due to expire, you will receive a notification advising you to extend or end your trip plan.
Escalation level 2
Failure to close the trip when the trip ETA expires sends another reminder alert that the trip is now overdue and it must be either closed or extended.
Escalation level 3
15 minutes after the ETA has expired you will receive a warning notification that a SMS will be sent to your emergency contact in 15 minutes should the trip remain overdue.
Escalation level 4
30 minutes after the ETA has expired and if the trip has not been ended or extended, a SMS is sent to your emergency contact. If your emergency contact is unable to contact you, they are then advised to contact HM Coastguard.
What happens if I need to amend my ETA en route?
If you do not think that you will reach your destination within the ETA that you have set then you can change the ETA en route using the ‘Edit’ button on the trip progress screen.
Can I create my own checklist items?
Yes, you can create custom items per category and add them to your personalised checklists. Once you choose the vessel, check list type and boat type, scroll down to the end of the page to the heading “Add New Item”. Choose the category from the drop down list where the new item belongs to and then enter the item you wish to add. Click on the “Add” button, and click “Save” after having created one or more new items. Sail Plan checklists are sent to the app and added to your Sail Plan on departure.
How much data will the RYA SafeTrx app consume?
Basing calculations on a 6-hour trip in Sail Plan Mode, the RYA SafeTrx app will transmit approximately 160KB of data (send and receive combined), including setting sail and ending the trip. The app data is not even a fifth of this overall figure but unfortunately due to the nature of the underlying protocols and various methods used by the carriers, the raw data transmission could end up being 160KB. This is an approximation. The final result will depend on many factors such as the coverage, device type, mobile network used, journey logging etc.
How does the app handle loss of cell coverage?
Where the RYA SafeTrx app experiences loss of cell coverage, it stores the trip location points on the Smartphone. Once a signal becomes available again, it sends the backlog of stored trip information to the server and resumes posting trip information in real time.
When does RYA SafeTrx send my position information to the server?
Sail Plan Mode: RYA SafeTrx sends location information to the RYA SafeTrx server at regular intervals. When your Smartphone battery power is >30% then the application will send a location report every 1 kilometre or every 5 minutes if you are stationary. When the battery level reaches 30% RYA SafeTrx changes the location reporting frequency from 1 kilometre to 2 kilometres to save power. When the battery level reaches 10% RYA SafeTrx will display a notification and will stop transmitting location updates. Location reporting will recommence when the Smartphone starts charging and the battery level exceeds 10%. When the battery level increases to between 11% and 30%, location reporting is resumed at the 2 kilometre interval. When the battery level increases to over 30%, RYA SafeTrx increases the location reporting to every 1 kilometre.
Track Only Mode: The RYA SafeTrx app sends location information to the RYA SafeTrx at regular intervals server after the trip starts. When your Smartphone battery power is >10% then the application will record a location report every 10 metres regardless of whether you're moving or stationary. The application will send a location report to the central RYA computer system every 500 metres. When the battery level reaches 10% RYA SafeTrx will display a notification and will stop recording location updates. Location reporting will recommence when the Smartphone starts charging and the battery level exceeds 10%. Please note that boaters will need to move at least 10 metres in order to activate a trip.
How accurate are the location points transmitted from the phone?
As the accuracy of latitude/longitude triangulations can vary, a margin for error will always exist. The monitoring website uses Horizontal Accuracy and other measurements to allow the operators to determine the best set of data to review. The Smartphone application may provide you with information and assistance relevant to your current locations, as determined by the mobile device that you are using. However, the devices and the telecommunications systems that support them are inherently unreliable and there is a risk that there will be no connectivity between your mobile device and global positioning systems. We cannot guarantee uninterrupted connectivity between your mobile device and global positioning systems.
What happens if the smartphone battery runs low?
Sail Plan Mode: The RYA SafeTrx app uses a number of methods to determine position and these do consume battery power. However, the app monitors your phones battery in real time and adapts to declining battery levels. If the battery level falls below 30%, the location transmission interval is adjusted from 1km to 2km. to save battery power. There is also a failsafe to ensure that if the battery falls to 10% RYA SafeTrx suspends in order to preserve battery power for emergency calls. When your Smartphone is plugged in to recharge, trip monitoring en sending location information is resumed by opening the app again.
Track Only Mode: In Track Only Mode, if the battery falls to 10% while running a trip, RYA SafeTrx suspends recording in order to preserve battery power for emergency calls. When your Smartphone is plugged in to recharge, trip monitoring is resumed by opening the app again.
Please note that the battery levels reported on some Smartphones are rounded down to the nearest 5%, therefore trip recording may be suspended when the battery level is between 10%-15%.
How does the Coastguard access the RYA SafeTrx system?
HM Coastguard will be able to monitor trip plans that exceed their ETA and which have been notified to them by the emergency contact.
Can I add more than one boat and emergency contact?
Yes you have the option to add more than one boat and emergency contact. You can select which ones to use at the start of each trip.
What do the performance analytics provide?
RYA members and registered users who download the app will benefit from a feature unique to the RYA SafeTrx app; performance analytics. Track Only mode will enable you to analyse your speed and performance on the water whether you are racing or fine tuning whilst cruising.
Who can I contact if I am having problems?