The RYA SafeTrx vessel tracking, safety, and communications platform will shut down soon. This news, confirmed by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and HM Coastguard, means you must secure a new plan for tracking and trip logging.
The closure takes effect at the end of this month, December 31, 2025. While the official reason is “advances in technology” since the app's launch, the change is a major concern for the over 100,000 RYA members who depend on digital tracking.
Your safety remains the top priority.
Here is how you can prepare and what reliable tracking solution you should switch to today.
TL;DR
- The RYA SafeTrx app closes permanently on December 31, 2025.
- The RYA and HM Coastguard agreed to stop the service due to new technology.
- HM Coastguard’s search and rescue services will remain fully operational.
- Your vessel and ownership data will transfer to a secure Coastguard database.
- You must delete your account before the deadline if you do not want your data transferred.
- Switch to a modern digital logbook and tracking tool like SailTies to keep your safety layer.
Protect yourself and your data at sea
HM Coastguard stresses that every boater must rely on core safety practices. This closure does not affect their ability to respond to emergencies. Your main safety tools are still crucial.
Carry these reliable means of communication onboard:
- A VHF or DSC radio.
- A personal locator beacon (PLB).
- A mobile phone kept in a waterproof pouch.
Your most basic safety step is telling someone at home your exact plan. If you are overdue, they can call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The value of dedicated safety gear is clear: a sailor with broken ribs was rescued because their PLB alerted rescuers, allowing a quick response.
Secure your safety layer with SailTies
RYA SafeTrx, adopted in 2018 to replace the CG66 scheme, offered an easy way to file trip details and vessel information. Boaters relied on this service for an added layer of confidence. The good news is that you can replace this layer using modern, dedicated sailing apps.
You should start using SailTies immediately. This app offers a powerful logbook and tracking tool that gives you a digital record of your trips. SailTies provides the necessary features to record and share your voyages with friends, family, and your safety contact.
Guide: How to record and live broadcast a voyage
SailTies features you need:
- Quick logging. Start tracking your voyages with just two taps on your phone.
- Live tracking. Share your location with family or friends back home using hardware-free live tracking.
- Offline capability. The app uses minimal battery and records data offline, syncing your trip details when you return to coverage.
- Professional record. Build a verified sailing resume that includes voyage data, detailed statistics, and weather insights.
- Trust and recognition. Governing bodies like Sail Canada and NauticEd already recommend SailTies as a preferred method for recording and sharing sailing history.
Do not wait for the service to end on December 31. Download a reliable tracking app like SailTies now. Use it to record your vessel details and passage plans. This simple step ensures you maintain your critical safety protocol.
Download SailTies now
Scan to download
Frequently asked questions about SafeTrx
What happens to my vessel data after the RYA SafeTrx app closes?
The RYA and HM Coastguard will transfer your vessel and ownership data to a secure database held by HM Coastguard. If you do not want your data transferred, you must delete your account before the December 31, 2025, closing date. You can also update or remove your details later by emailing safetrxdata@mcga.gov.uk.
Will the RYA SafeTrx closure affect HM Coastguard's ability to conduct search and rescue?
No, the closure will not affect HM Coastguard's search and rescue capability. HM Coastguard's search and rescue services, along with all other safety measures and equipment, remain fully operational.
What tracking alternatives should I use instead of RYA SafeTrx for my boat trips?
You must continue to carry traditional safety equipment like a VHF or DSC radio and a Personal Locator Beacon. For digital trip logging and sharing, we advise you to use a dedicated boating app like SailTies. This app provides features similar to RYA SafeTrx, including live tracking and voyage logging.
Who else uses SailTies?
11 million+
Nautical Miles Logged
100,000+
Voyages Recorded
35,000+
Active, real sailors
185
Countries Represented
Trusted by the sailing community
Sail Canada
Governing body of sailing in Canada, recommends SailTies to all members as the best way to record and share their sailing history.
International Yacht Training
Recommend SailTies as the preferred option for recording your sailing, and use the SailTies platform to distribute their digital certificates.
NauticEd
Use SailTies apps as the way for students to record their voyages, and as a digital wallet for their certificates.
Boatfolk Marinas
Use SailTies to grow their communities, by sharing boating with fellow berth holders and making crew matching easier.
Scan to download