New app MARINE NSW - log on via app

[mrsswordfisherman]

Dear Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking supporter

On behalf of Marine Rescue NSW and our volunteer members, I want to thank you for your ongoing support for Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking.

As one of our seven Greater Sydney units, Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking is a vital link in our network of 45 units along the NSW coastline and inland on the Alpine Lakes and Murray River. Together, our volunteers rescue thousands of boaters in trouble on the water every year, maintain a marine radio safety watch around the clock and conduct a range of boating safety education programs.

They do this with the generous support of the boating community, including the members of our units’ Radio Clubs – the boaters who have signed on to receive a Marine Rescue-issued radio call sign, such as Botany Port Hacking’s ENC000.

I am pleased today to be able to tell you about an exciting new step we’re taking, launching the new MarineRescue smartphone App that will help keep you and other boaters even safer on NSW waterways.

Designed specifically for NSW waters and conditions, the App, to be released on March 7, is suitable for both Apple iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) and Android devices (phones and tablets). It is free for all boaters.

I’m sure you already know the importance of Logging On with Marine Rescue NSW to ensure someone responsible knows you’re out there on the water and when you’re due back so that a search can start quickly to locate you in an emergency.

The MarineRescue App is the ONLY app on the market that will allow you to Log On directly with Marine Rescue NSW - with simply a click of a button. And if you haven’t Logged Off as expected, the App will alert us that you’re late and possibly in trouble.

However, please be aware that the App is not a replacement for an EPIRB or marine radio and you should always ensure you meet all relevant requirements to carry this equipment to summon help in an emergency.

Logging On and Off using the App will be quick and easy. The details of your boat, number of people on board, destination and expected time of return will be sent directly to Marine Rescue NSW, leaving you free to get on with enjoying your day. When you return, simply hit the Log Off button so we know you’re back safely.

Of course, if you’d still prefer to radio or ring a Marine Rescue radio base, there’s no change at all to the service you’re used to. Our Radio Operators will be there, waiting to talk to you. Remember

that even if you do Log On with the App, you should still make sure you call in to check your marine radio is working effectively.

The MarineRescue App also gives you added peace of mind by providing a safety tracking service. You have the option of allowing us to track your location every 30 minutes so we know where to start searching for you in an emergency.

Other valuable features include quick access to local tides, weather and water conditions; your latitude/longitude position coordinates; boat ramp locations and popular fishing spots; a handy safety checklist; simple emergency call procedures; and information on Marine Rescue NSW.

To celebrate the launch of the MarineRescue App and to thank all our Radio Club members for their ongoing support, we’re offering you a range of exclusive benefits:

 Automatic information loading. You’ll get a time-saving headstart on using the App, with the relevant personal and boat details you’ve already provided Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking loading automatically in the App once you enter your Botany Port Hacking radio call sign (eg ENC000) and your Vessel Registration Number. Just select I’m a Radio Club Member on the App’s front screen and follow the prompts.

 Great prizes every month to July. Every time you Log On and Off using the MarineRescue App between March and July AND choose to use the 30-minute tracking service, you will be entered in the monthly draw to win a prize package valued at more than $2,500: a 5hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard engine plus a Raymarine Dragonfly with chart plotter and depth sounder.

 Discounts at the new Marine Rescue NSW e-shop. Our Radio Club members can purchase a range of great boating and safety products at exclusive discounts. You can find the e-shop on the Marine Rescue NSW website, marinerescuensw.com.au Simply use your Botany Port Hacking radio call sign as your Username and your Vessel Registration Number as your Password to ensure you save as you shop.

 Free e-magazine. Learn more about the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW’s 3,000 volunteers through our magazine, Soundings. Make sure Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking has your up-to-date email address so you can receive this magazine each quarter.

To ensure you can take advantage of these benefits, download the MarineRescue App from March 7. It’s available free on the App Store for iOS devices and at Google play for Androids.

We hope you enjoy using the MarineRescue App as you continue supporting the members of Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking in their work to save lives on the water.

Yours sincerely

Stacey Tannos

[MikeR]

this is a great initiative! The tracking function will surely save lives.

Thanks for sharing

[finin]

Only good if you have phone range. As it says dont rely on it.