NSRI SafeTrx

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has had a look at this app and if so, how do you think it relates to us paddling Millers ie) is it Ok for a surfski paddler / price etc
Appreciate it.

Seems like we should, hey!

The first pain in the ass as far as I'm concerned is that I'm registered on the US Apple Store because some apps aren't available locally here in SA.

The SA version of this app is only available on the SA store. Bleh. That means that if I install it and there's an upgrade I have switch from the US store to the SA store. Bleh. I asked the app makers if they'd consider posting it to the US store as well.

They haven't so far.

So between that and the thought of entrusting my R10K mobile phone to pouch, it hasn't been very appealing. (Note that I carry flares and a VHF radio as a matter of course so I'm not rejecting safety gear.)

I'd also be very interested to hear if anyone else is using it.

I know in Durban the "Da Real Downwind" guys use phone tracking software - and for the Richards Bay to Durban event, it's compulsory. Not sure which app they're using though.

Thanks for the info Rob. I think i'll eventually get a handneld, probably better for us here.
I hear you regarding the 10 grand phone in a pouch, I am a little inclined to go with R 1500 FM radio
Found this:
www.macete.co.za/shop/president-electron...50-swf-handheld-vhf/

Yep, that looks similar to my radio, which is an ICOM M36

www.icomamerica.com/en/products/marine/h...lds/m36/default.aspx

I used to carry a cheap cell phone as well, until it got stolen

I should get another one... Nothing is a 100% guarantee that you'll be safe, but every little thing turns the odds in your favour!

Hey guys, might I suggest a VHF with built in gps?! Nice to be able to relay your exact location. There are a few out there now.

www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=101

Not sure if this is available where you are but the tech is simple and the system works for us here. Canada remote locations are well served by this sort of thing in my experience when working on water remotely. Not sure if anyone's tried it for paddling though.

The app look good and works well.

Of course you have to be in cellphone range. But even when not in range, it should still have some of your way points saved on the server from when you were in range. That will assist any rescue attempts. The feature where NSRI/Wife is notified if you don't return is probably the biggest drswcard.

In saying all that, I've only used it once to test it out. I still have to find the mythical waterproof pouch that stays waterproof. So my expensive phone is staying on land for now. Maybe I'll get a small pelican case.

I did notice that for the 2015 Pete Marlin you are required to have a phone tracking app installed.

So my expensive phone is staying on land for now. Maybe I'll get a small pelican case.

Good point! I just realised that a) I have a small pelican case and b) I don't need to be able to use the phone - after all I carry a radio.

So perhaps I will try it after all. Several of the races in Durban require a tracking app too.

I still have to find the mythical waterproof pouch that stays waterproof.


I've been using this waterproof case for 4 years and I haven't had a problem yet...touch wood.

www.killerdeals.co.za/waterproof-cases-iphones-p-912.html

Another one is the Catalyst case www.catalystlifestyle.com/collections/ip...s/iphone-6plus-black though haven't tested it to 5 metres. Certainly makes my iPhone6 Plus into a pretty big unit but is still remarkably compact compared to others I have tried - LifeProof and Otterbox. Easy to recharge and no fiddly bits to screw in or out (and misplace) when you want to use headphones - not in the water of course..

Don't know how my Catalyst performs in anger though. I did try texting someone when I was out of my boat one day with the Lifestyle case however with water on the screen the message was scribble - two or three random letters would come up when I attempted to text one letter rarely containing the letter I had chosen. Obviously water dispersing the contact on screen. I know the idea of having a phone is that emergency call but need to bear in mind if in the drink texting is vey difficult/maybe impossible. But of course, who would be composing an extended message "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.."?

This article may be worth a read. Todays VHF radios with GPS can track
up to ten "buddy's" with the same radio.

www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/082000a.htm