Displaying items by tag: SafeTrx

6th November 2017

Irish Vessel Tracking App Launches In Cyprus

SafeTrx is being rolled out for use within the Cypriot Search and Rescue Region

#SafeTrx - Irish-developed vessel tracking app SafeTrx has had its latest international launch in Cyprus.

Originally unveiled by Irish Sailing in 2013, the smartphone app makes it easy for boats to allow contacts on shore to monitor their voyages for safety.

The service has since been further developed in co-operation with SAR professionals around the world and is already in use in the UK, Finland, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Australia.

Now the Cypriot Government’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Larnaca joins the list, operating and managing the rollout of SafeTrx for the eastern Mediterranean.

It’s hoped that the Cypriot version of the app — available for iOS and Android as CyJRCCSfTrx — will help reduce loss of life at sea and reduce SAR response times.

The new app includes a further enhancement to SafeTrx’s intelligent alerting system.

In areas of poor coverage, the location of a caller in distress can now be sent via SMS to the JRCC, in addition to the standard high priority SafeTrx data message.

This method was added following offshore testing in Cyprus, and it ensures that the JRCC has the location details when they receive the call, allowing quicker response times.

John Murphy, CEO of SafeTrx developer 8 West Consulting, said: “We welcome the Republic of Cyprus’ JRCC as a new customer and are delighted that their experience and knowledge is coming to the SafeTrx User Group.

“Our recent SafeTrx User Group meeting gathered representatives from many national licensees of SafeTrx in Holland to discuss 2018 developments and the experience of the JRCC in Mediterranean search and rescue of different types will be a valuable enhancement going in to the future.”

As always, Afloat.ie advises boaters and sailors to stick to a standard safety checklist, which includes informing a contact on shore of your plans and expected return time, and confirming that you have adequate means for calling for help - from a suitable VHF radio to flares for signalling distress.

Published in Water Safety

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SafeTrx

ISA SafeTrx System Paused For Upgrade Tomorrow

#SafeTrx - Users of the ISA's SafeTrx app are advices that the system will be unavailable tomorrow morning and afternoon (Tuesday 15 September) for an upgrade.

During the planned upgrade from 6am to 3pm, the SafeTrx apps for iOS and Android, as well as the ISA SafeTrx Boater website, will be unavailable.

Following the upgrade, a new version of the app will be available to download for your smartphone, with older versions no longer functioning after tomorrow.

CoastalBoating.net details the changes boaters can expect from the updated SafeTrx app, including a new emergency call feature.

Published in News Update

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.