The Coast Guard is using a new tool to help take the search out of Search & Rescue.

Called i911; the system allows watch standers to access a cell phone’s GPS data and display the device's position on a map. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound was the first to test the system.

Except for a vessel’s owner/operator, many guests on boats are not familiar with marine radios and their operation, let alone their location on the water. However, almost everyone has a cell phone or knows how to use one in an emergency.

This i911 service works with any cell phone that has a battery charge and can connect to any available cellular network, even an old one without a contract, SIM card, or service plan. It does not require downloading and only works with the caller’s consent.

For approved first responders, which already include the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary, the system’s incident location features require a free download that displays a distress call’s location on a first responder’s cellphone map, similar to an Amber Alert or a community’s HeartSafe system.

In fact, every i911 first responder, regardless of whether they're on duty, will be notified of a distress call location.

For example, if an incident on a boat, such as a fall or medical issue, leaves the owner or operator unavailable, and someone on the boat dials “911” on their cellphone, a dispatcher can send a message to that caller’s cellphone requesting access to that device's GPS data.

Once the caller clicks the link, they will be taken to a web page with a big red button to click, which grants the Coast Guard permission to access their phone's internal GPS data.

While the i911 locator tool isn’t an excuse for mariners to be without a VHF radio, it highlights the value and simplicity of this method in locating someone in distress by the quickest means available, especially during this Coast Guard manpower and vessel shortage.