A member of Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie has developed a system that colleagues are deeming “a game-changer” in boating safety.
Dubbed the DV, or distressed vessel, Locator, the new technology allows rescuers to know within a four-to-five metre accuracy, the exact location of a boat that may be in trouble on the water.
The app is the brainchild of Lake Macquarie software developer Matt Dorhauer.
By responding to a text message, boaters in distress will allow the waterway saviours to have immediate access to their whereabouts.
Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteer Lee Baines says the DV Locator will enable a faster and more accurate rescue.
“This technology is only being used by Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie at this point in time,” he says.
“The wonderful thing is it gives us an exact location of a vessel that’s in distress.
“Our radio operators who intercept a call for help will be able to send a text message to a distressed vessel, and if they have a smart phone all they have to do is click on the link in the text message and allow the GPS system to broadcast its location.
“This is immediately relayed on technology throughout our network on iPads, and we know with a great degree of accuracy the location of that distressed vessel.
“This enables us to get there faster, saving fuel and time, and help save lives.”
Mr Baines says often an emergency situation is hindered by rough seas and inhibited orientation.
“The most challenging thing for us in an emergency situation is actually finding the vessel in distress,” he said.
“Using this new technology, if a vessel drifts, the map shows the drift and we are able to follow its movements within metres.”
Marine Rescue also ask that all boaters log on to the Marine Rescue app before they head out on the water.
The app will ask for a boat registration number, where the boat is leaving from, where it’s heading, what time a boater plans to return, the number of people on board and a mobile phone number.
“Whether you’re out for a morning’s fishing, a day trip around your local area or cruising along the coastline. And it doesn’t matter if you’re on a tinnie, a cruiser, a yacht, a kayak, a canoe or a jet ski.
“When you Log On our radio operator will ask you for some basic information about your vessel, your destination and contacts.
“When you return we ask you to log-off.
“We’ll stand watch, and if you don’t log off as planned, our volunteers will start searching for you.”
To Log On, call your Marine Rescue NSW base on VHF Channel 16 or use the free MarineRescue App.
For more stories like this:
- Swansea channel a deterrent for boaters
- Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie welcomes new craft
- Marine Rescue volunteer pens love of the lake
- Marine Rescue NSW records busiest summer
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