WA to launch smartphone-based guardian angel for boaters

The government will set aside $1.4 million over the next two financial years to develop the app, with another $1.7 million set aside for the next four years for “ongoing operational management”.

“The app will allow users to log their maritime vessel trips with marine rescue teams and improve the safety of boaters heading out to sea,” the WA Government said in a budget paper outlining the initiative.

The move will bring WA in line with other states including Victoria and NSW that allow boaters to enter their trip information into their smartphones, and even report their live location in an emergency.

At the moment, WA boaters have two choices to make when signing on.

The first is to fill in the trip details on an official WA Department of Transport “Gone boating” fridge magnet that can be left with family or friends before hitting the water. It includes space to add a picture of the skipper’s boat to help with identification.

The other way is to sign on via VHF radio with rescue authorities. This is as simple as giving the vessel’s call sign, details of the trip, the number of people onboard and the amount of fuel carried and an estimated time you expect to return via radio to let the authorities know where they should start looking if you don’t log off.

Logging off is simply contacting rescue authorities via VHF radio to let them know you’re safely back at the boat ramp.

If WA’s app is similar to those rolled out in other states, your smartphone will ensure rescue authorities know all this information electronically and are prepared to swing into action if you have not signed off by the designated time.

Other apps rolled out in Australia also include an emergency call function that will instantly alert authorities that you are in trouble, and send your GPS co-ordinates to help with a search.