How It Works

Passage Monitoring is a global free-of-charge service that monitors the progress of recreational vessels conducting ocean passages.

I use a range of tools, including satellite trackers, AIS and email / HF radio reporting, to keep a constant watch on yachts that have filed a float plan prior to departure.

Whilst available to all yachts, Passage Monitoring is especially suited to short handed and solo sailors, in particular circumnavigators.

Check List

TRACKER

Your vessel must be fitted with an approved satellite tracker (list below) set to transmit position HOURLY whilst on passage.

  • ACR Bivy Stick
  • Garmin InReach (models with tracking)
  • Iridium Go!
  • Iridium Go! Exec (with external GPS)
  • YB3 / YB3i
  • Zoleo

Additionally, you must provide a web site URL for your tracker that shows the track of your vessel over time, and the most recent position including time in UTC.

Steel or aluminium vessels must be fitted with an externally mounted tracker (Iridium Go! Exec with external GPS or YB3i).

DAILY WELFARE REPORTING

Captain must commit to sending a daily welfare report via email (primary) or SMS / TXT (backup).

  • 24 hours prior to departure, captain files a float plan containing detailed information about vessel, crew and intended voyage.
  • Passage Guardian checks reception of position data from approved satellite tracker.
  • Vessel sends a Daily Welfare Report. If not received, Passage Guardian commences the Missed Check-In procedure.
  • Passage Guardian checks progress using satellite tracker (or AIS if available) at least daily, and investigates causes of off-course or stopped vessel.
  • Passage Guardian sends via email daily WMO weather forecasts for the METAREA vessel is transiting. This feature may be declined by vessel if not required.
Float Plan Form
© 2023 HF Radio Charitable Trust