Mariners traveling through the Pacific Northwest will soon have U.S. Coast Guard information right at their fingertips. The USCG is launching a new free mobile app to help mariners plan their travels and get information on boating safety. The official U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Mobile application is offered on iPhone and Android devices and features weather updates from NOAA weather buoys and the ability for mariners to communicate potential navigational hazards or pollution situations to a local Coast Guard.
The app can also help the agency get mariner information for search and rescue purposes and also features a bright red “Emergency Assistance” button on the home screen that alerts emergency responders to mariners in distress and gives them a GPS location.
Another function of the app allows mariners to create a float plan with designated contacts, giving loved ones vital information on future voyages in case of emergency.
“The Coast Guard encourages mariners to do appropriate research before getting underway and hopes this application will provide a central platform for commonly requested information,” the agency said.
For more, visit https://uscgboating.org/mobile/.
