A freely accessible application designed to monitor a vessel’s position relative to its anchored location provides alerts if the vessel drifts beyond a user-defined radius. This functionality serves as a safety mechanism, safeguarding against unintentional dragging of the anchor. For instance, a captain might input a 50-meter radius around the anchor’s drop point; should the vessel move beyond this boundary, the application will issue an alarm.
The significance of such applications lies in their ability to prevent groundings and collisions, particularly during periods of low visibility or when the crew is asleep. Historically, relying solely on visual checks or sporadic GPS readings presented inherent risks. These applications offer a constant, automated monitoring system, enhancing safety and providing peace of mind. Early versions relied on simple GPS integration, while modern iterations incorporate advanced features such as drift prediction algorithms and integration with other navigational tools.
