Coast Guard Unveils Safety App
The United States Coast Guard has released a mobile app to provide the essential and commonly requested services and information to boaters. Using a mobile phone, a boater can access safety regulations, request a vessel-safety check, file a float plan, reports hazards and suspicious activity and request emergency assistance.
Feature Packed
Using the app, boaters can access information pertaining to a given state as well as a checklist for safety equipment. They can also request a vessel safety check, get a copy of navigation rules, file a float plan and call to report pollution and questionable activities.
Not a Replacement
While the app has an Emergency Assistance button that will call the closest Coast Guard command center, officials still recommend that a boat be equipped with a VHF radio. The app should be considered supplemental.
The app is self-contained so personal information stored on the phone is not sent to the Coast Guard unless the user chooses to send it. The Coast Guard does not track a user’s location and the app doesn’t track a user’s location
When location services are used, a boater can receive the latest weather report from the closest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather buoys. A captain can also report a hazard on the water.