With summer approaching, the Volunteer Coastguard has introduced a new phone app to help boaties stay safe on the water and keep track of important information.
Coastguard Communications Coordinator, Mike Buddle, describes the app as a “game-changer”. He says, “You won’t want to leave the dock without this in your pocket.”
Features include the ability for skippers to log trips with the Coastguard in advance, record a boat’s details and radio call sign (information the Coastguard recommends all boaties should have), and designate an on-shore contact person for emergencies.
Mike adds that it also offers the vital information everyone needs on the water, with up-to-the-minute wind, swell and tide information nationwide, the latest weather reports from the Coastguard’s Nowcasting service, and five-day forecasts.
There is even the ability to save the coordinates for your favourite fishing spots - Mike promises the Coastguard will keep them secret !
The app, which is available toeverybody, regardless of whether they are Coastguard members, costs $2.99 and is available at the App Store and Google Play, Mike recommends searching for Coastguard New Zealand.
