CG66 scheme closing down?

[Blue_mischief]

I just do not want to constantly inform a system where I am, especially just in case something goes wrong. I understand it's utility but the freedom of being away from all this stuff is what I appreciate.

+1
(I enjoy being a Luddite)

 

[chanelyacht]

And for those not online or with smartphones?

This is yet another cost cut from the MCA (and not even much money, as the CG66 coordinators nationally weren't paid for it) and ignores large numbers of boaters who are not into modern technology.

I suppose at least they haven't given their work to the RNLI this time.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I take your point but if you can call for help in an emergency then the CG66-esqe data is only marginally useful, and if you can't call for help there's no way that being overdue will trigger an effective rescue in time.

I can't really disagree with you, except that if CG do look at my stuff on the RYA app (possibly having heard me on DSC VHF) and looked me up via my MMSI on it, then they've got more info than they would have from a simple MMSI lookup. Albeit just a nice picture of another white plastic boat and its dimensions.

 

[CalicoJack]

Just spoken (Friday 28th June 19:00) to Dover Coastguard who have been told that they can make no comment on the matter; read into that what you like. However, he believed that an announcement would be made in the next week to the yachting press and on their website and social media.

Does anybody know if it can be down loaded onto an iPad? I can’t find it in the Apple Store.

 

[dunedin]

Does anybody know if it can be down loaded onto an iPad? I can’t find it in the Apple Store.

Search for RYA - then check the Filters (top left) as may be set to show iPad specific applications only - change to iPhone and lo it appears.

 

[DJE]

So how does the app work when out of range of an internet connection? How do I change my ETA or advise a diversion to another port?

 

[DJE]

Must admit that I am bothering my shore contact a lot less now that we are transmitting AIS .

 

[Deleted member 36384]

So how does the app work when out of range of an internet connection? How do I change my ETA or advise a diversion to another port?

It waits until it gets one and then updates, you don't have to tell it, apparently.

 

[ctva]

Not much use on a lot of the west coast with limited 4G.

I keep it simple and advise the CG on appropriate coastal and offshore trips then let them know arrival, all by good old VHF.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

Just spoken (Friday 28th June 19:00) to Dover Coastguard who have been told that they can make no comment on the matter; read into that what you like. However, he believed that an announcement would be made in the next week to the yachting press and on their website and social media.

RYA saying the same thing. They're using social meeja, but will also be doing press releases to YBW.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

CG66 made sense when it was quite possible that you not getting home again would be the first someone knew of you being missing but, between VHF, AIS, DSC, EPIRB's, PLB's, SMS, etc., I'm pretty willing to take my chances these days. If I'm at all worried about it I can just tell a family member or friend that I trust when I'm going somewhere and roughly how long I expect to be away for.

CG are government so can look at your data without your permission for a number of reasons - I do have a problem with giving my data to a non-government organisation though.

 

[NormanS]

This is obviously something dreamed up by someone who thinks that we all have access to the Internet. Sailing on the West Coast, sometimes we do, often we don't. This App will be of no use to me.

 

[DipperToo]

Must admit that I am bothering my shore contact a lot less now that we are transmitting AIS .

+1
Using Vessel Finder of Marine Traffic most places I visit can be tracked by family (Apart from mid Channel)

 

[dunedin]

This thread seems to be mixing up two separate things, only one of which I thought the CG66 scheme did and the other the RYA App does:
(A). Provide a database of information about pleasure boats - to assist in identification and assistance of boats requiring Coast Guard assistance. A “one off” exercise not generally done on boats and not needing internet access on board. What the CG66 scheme does (or did?)
(B). Recording passage plans, departures and arrivals for specific trips. Something the RYA App sought to do. And something possible to do via CoastGuard by exception, via VHF or telephone, but I was not aware this was part of the CG66 scheme (is it)?

It is possible that the App based approach could be an easier to use (and / or cheaper for the CG) means of maintaining the boat details database. But if so the internet access afloat points are irrelevant. But data privacy etc are relevant.

 

[Plum]

This thread seems to be mixing up two separate things, only one of which I thought the CG66 scheme did and the other the RYA App does:
(A). Provide a database of information about pleasure boats - to assist in identification and assistance of boats requiring Coast Guard assistance. A “one off” exercise not generally done on boats and not needing internet access on board. What the CG66 scheme does (or did?)
(B). Recording passage plans, departures and arrivals for specific trips. Something the RYA App sought to do. And something possible to do via CoastGuard by exception, via VHF or telephone, but I was not aware this was part of the CG66 scheme (is it)?

It is possible that the App based approach could be an easier to use (and / or cheaper for the CG) means of maintaining the boat details database. But if so the internet access afloat points are irrelevant. But data privacy etc are relevant.

Absolutely agree. (A) I will use the app to record all my/boat information just like cg66 so the Coastguard can use it if required (i dont mind having to reload it all)
And (B) will choose not use the app to monitor my passage plans and progress or for calling for help..

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Absolutely agree. (A) I will use the app to record all my/boat information just like cg66 so the Coastguard can use it if required (i dont mind having to reload it all)
And (B) will choose not use the app to monitor my passage plans and progress or for calling for help..

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

That is a sensible approach. The other thing the App does, I think, it only logs position on the RYA server, if you let it. There is no need to use the passage planning part. If using the CG66 scheme now, the position only option in the app would make sense while allowing freedom to not be bothered about logging passages.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

(B). Recording passage plans, departures and arrivals for specific trips. Something the RYA App sought to do. And something possible to do via CoastGuard by exception, via VHF or telephone, but I was not aware this was part of the CG66 scheme (is it)?

My memory is a bit faded on this, but before CG66 you used to be able to file a passage plan with HMCG (I think by 'phone was OK) and also that it continued with CG66 which, again vaguely recalled, just tidied up the yacht/owner details and saved repetition. I do remember reporting arrival by VHF, so mebbe filing by VHF was OK too.

 

[Mark-1]

I just received this from HM Coastguard:

Dear CG66 database member,

We are pleased to tell you that we have some exciting news about our voluntary safety identification scheme (currently CG66). In partnership with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), HM Coastguard will be introducing the world-leading RYA SafeTrx as our new official safety identification scheme.

RYA SafeTrx builds on the advantages of the CG66 scheme to assist HM Coastguard with Search and Rescue in UK territorial waters and it provides enhanced functionality if used together with the optional mobile app. RYA SafeTrx is free, and you do not need to be a member of the RYA to register. You can get more information about RYA SafeTrx here.

If you choose to register, there are two ways to do this:

You can enter your details via the RYA SafeTrx App, which can be downloaded from the Apple app store or Google Play.
If you do not wish to use the mobile app, there is an option to register your details online at https://safetrx.rya.org.uk/login.html.

With RYA SafeTrx becoming our new official safety identification scheme, we will stop taking new registrations to CG66 on 11 July.

Existing data:
The information currently held on our CG66 database will be retained and used by our Search and Rescue (SAR) teams alongside the SafeTrx data for the next two years. If your information is no longer valid the best course of action is to register on SafeTrx as this will supersede information held on CG66.

CG66 data will continue to be held securely and not shared with any third parties or used for any other purpose other than for the MCA to carry out its SAR function.

The Coastguard will be able to access the RYA SafeTrx database and check boat records in exactly the same way as we do now with CG66. There is no requirement for existing users to remove or update their data in CG66. However if you do wish to remove your information from our existing CG66 database, please contact us at CG66.Enquiries@mcga.gov.uk.


Please do take the time to have a look at RYA SafeTrx and sign up to the app. It will only take a couple of minutes and could be invaluable to you in an emergency at sea.

To find out more about how the MCA look after personal data, your rights and how to contacts our data protection officer please go to www.gov.uk/mca

Thank you

HM Coastguard

 

[[70521]]

Same here, at least the SafeTrx database is accessible via a web page. I am not a fan of the app as it gives no additional functionality to my current way of advising my home contacts what I am doing, but can see the logic of using the one database.

 

[Plum]

I have now entered all my vessel data and emergency contact details into the SafeTrx database. Easy to use.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk