RYA SafeTrx personal data privacy information notice
Updated 23 February 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/maritime-and-coastguard-agency-privacy-notices/rya-safetrx-personal-data-privacy-information-notice
This privacy notice explains how the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and HM Coastguard process personal information originally provided to the RYA SafeTrx vessel tracking, safety and communications service following the closure of that service.
The RYA SafeTrx service ceased operation on 31 December 2025. Personal and vessel information previously held within the SafeTrx platform has been securely transferred to HM Coastguard systems. This information is retained solely to support maritime safety, emergency response and search and rescue functions.
1. What information do we collect about you
The personal information transferred from the RYA SafeTrx service may include:
- your full name
- contact details provided within the SafeTrx account
- vessel details (including vessel name and identifying information)
- vessel ownership information
- emergency contact details
- voyage or safety information voluntarily entered into the SafeTrx platform
This information was originally provided by you when registering for and using the RYA SafeTrx service.
2. How we use the information about you
The MCA and HM Coastguard use this information to:
- assist with search and rescue operations
- support maritime emergency response activities
- provide situational awareness in relation to vessel ownership and emergency contacts
- enable HM Coastguard to reference vessel and contact information during incidents at sea
This processing is necessary for the MCA and HM Coastguard to carry out their statutory functions in the public interest in relation to maritime safety.
The information is not used for marketing, profiling, or any commercial purpose.
3. Retaining your information
Your personal information will be retained only for as long as necessary to support maritime safety and emergency response functions, in line with MCA records management and retention policies.
When the information is no longer required for operational purposes, it will be securely deleted or archived in accordance with government record-keeping standards.
4. Sharing your information
Your personal information will only be shared where necessary to support maritime safety functions or where required by law.
This may include sharing with:
- HM Coastguard personnel involved in search and rescue or emergency response
- other emergency services where required during an incident
- law enforcement or regulatory bodies where legally required
Your information will not be shared with commercial organisations.
5. Storing your information
We will securely store your personal information in the UK. We do not routinely transfer data overseas but when this is necessary, we will ensure that we have the appropriate safeguards in place.
6. Automated decision making
We will not use automated decision making or profiling in using your data.
7. Your rights
The UK GDPR sets out a number of rights which individuals have over their personal data, allowing you to request copies of your personal data and, in certain circumstances, to object to it being used for a certain purpose, or to have it deleted or modified.
To find out more please see our personal information charter .