RYA SafeTrx is Closing (31 Dec 2025): What to Do Now

RYA SafeTrx, the official HM Coastguard voluntary safety identification scheme, is shutting down on 31 December 2025. If you've been using SafeTrx to log your voyages, track your position, and notify shore contacts when overdue, you need to act now.

This guide explains what's happening, what you need to do before the deadline, and how to maintain your safety procedures after SafeTrx closes.

Before reading further, here's your action list:

• [ ] Review your data in SafeTrx app/website before 31 Dec
• [ ] Decide whether to transfer data to HM Coastguard or delete your account
• [ ] Delete your account before 31 Dec if you don't want data transferred
• [ ] Set up alternative voyage tracking and shore contact procedures
• [ ] Update your crew and shore contacts on new procedures
• [ ] Download a passage plan template (link below)

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) announced on 1 December 2025 that RYA SafeTrx will cease operating on 31 December 2025.

Why SafeTrx is Closing

According to the official RYA announcement:

> "Earlier this year SafeTrx was sold. Following detailed discussions with the MCA, we decided that the RYA will not transition to become the licensee in the UK under the new SafeTrx ownership."

The RYA cited "advances in technology since the app's inception" as a factor in not renewing the licence.

Timeline

• 1 December 2025: RYA announces closure
• 31 December 2025: SafeTrx service ends completely
• 1 January 2026: Data transferred to HM Coastguard (unless you opt out)

What You're Losing

SafeTrx provided several safety features that are now disappearing:

• Sail Plan Mode: Log departure, destination, and ETA with automatic SMS alerts to emergency contacts if overdue
• Vessel Tracking: Regular position transmission to Coastguard when activated
• Emergency Calling: 999 with automatic location detection
• Vessel Database: Your boat and crew details accessible by Coastguard during search and rescue
• Maritime Safety Info: VHF channels, lifeboat stations, weather forecasts

Your SafeTrx account contains personal and vessel data. You have two options:

Option 1: Allow Transfer to HM Coastguard (Default)

If you do nothing, your data will automatically transfer to a secure HM Coastguard database on 1 January 2026.

What gets transferred:

• Your name and contact details
• Emergency contact information
• Vessel details (name, type, registration, description)
• Any other data you provided to SafeTrx

After transfer, you can update or remove your details by emailing: safetrxdata@mcga.gov.uk

This option makes sense if:

• You want the Coastguard to have your vessel details on file for future SAR operations
• You don't object to HM Coastguard holding your data

Option 2: Delete Your Account (Opt Out)

If you prefer your data is not transferred to HM Coastguard, you must delete your SafeTrx account before 31 December 2025.

To delete your account:

1. Log in to the SafeTrx app or website
2. Navigate to account settings
3. Select "Delete Account"
4. Confirm deletion

Once deleted, your data will not be transferred.

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With SafeTrx closing, you need alternative ways to stay safe. Here's how your options compare:

VHF Radio (The Essential)

What it does:

• Direct communication with Coastguard and other vessels
• DSC (Digital Selective Calling) sends your position with distress alert
• Channel 16 for emergencies

Limitations:

• Requires manual shore contact notifications
• No automatic overdue alerting
• Range limited to line of sight

Cost: Equipment £150-500+, no ongoing fees

Verdict: Every boat should have VHF. It's your primary safety communication tool, but doesn't replace SafeTrx's automatic alerting features.

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

What it does:

• Emergency-only distress signal to Coastguard
• Satellite-based (works anywhere)
• Sends GPS position with alert

Limitations:

• Emergency use only (not for routine tracking)
• Manual activation required
• No voyage logging or shore contact features

Cost: £200-300, no subscription

Verdict: Essential backup for offshore sailing. Doesn't replace routine voyage tracking or overdue alerting.

Crew the Boat

What it does:

• Voyage planning and logging (free)
• ETA check-in alerts via SMS (Pro)
• Automatic overdue notification to your shore contacts
• Shore contacts get notified when you depart, arrive, or go overdue
• Pause/resume for multi-day passages
• Configurable grace periods (15/30/60/120 minutes)

How it works:

1. Plan your passage with departure, destination, and ETA
2. Add your shore contacts (up to 3) - they must confirm opt-in via SMS
3. Start the passage when you depart
4. Receive SMS reminders before your ETA
5. Reply to extend your ETA or confirm arrival
6. If you don't respond within your grace period, your contacts are automatically notified

Cost: Free for voyage logging, Pro subscription for SMS check-in alerts

Verdict: The closest replacement for SafeTrx's automated shore contact alerting. Sign up for updates.

SailTies

What it does:

• Voyage logging and trip history
• Live tracking shareable with friends/family
• Works offline with sync when back in coverage
• Community features and leaderboards

Limitations:

• No automatic overdue alerting to shore contacts
• No integration with Coastguard systems
• Requires manual "I'm safe" communications

Cost: Free basic, £34.99/year for premium features

Verdict: Good for voyage logging and sharing location, but missing the key SafeTrx feature of automatic overdue alerts.

Feature Comparison Table

*Crew the Boat provides ETA check-in alerts, not live position tracking **SafeTrx required mobile signal

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While you're transitioning to new tools, having a solid passage plan is essential. We've created a free printable template you can use.

The template includes:

• Vessel details section
• Skipper and crew information
• Departure/arrival ports and times
• Emergency contacts (up to 3)
• Weather and sea state fields
• Radio check-in schedule
• EPIRB/PLB serial numbers

SafeTrx or not, these safety practices should be part of every voyage:

Before You Depart

1. File a passage plan with a responsible person ashore
2. Check weather and don't go if conditions are unsuitable
3. Ensure your VHF is working and registered with MMSI
4. Carry appropriate safety equipment (lifejackets, flares, PLB)
5. Tell someone your departure point, destination, and ETA

During Your Voyage

1. Monitor VHF Channel 16 for distress and safety broadcasts
2. Check in with shore contact at agreed intervals
3. Update your ETA if plans change

If You're Overdue

Your shore contact should know to:

1. Try to contact you (phone, VHF if equipped)
2. Wait a reasonable grace period (30-60 minutes)
3. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if unable to make contact

This guide is based on official announcements from:

• RYA SafeTrx Closing Announcement - RYA official statement
• GOV.UK Safety Platform Closing - HM Coastguard guidance
• GOV.UK Register Boat Safety Scheme - Current registration status

1. Act now if you want to opt out of data transfer (delete account before 31 Dec)
2. Download our passage plan template to maintain good safety habits
3. Create a free Crew the Boat account to log your voyages and get early access to live passage tracking