UNDER CONSTRUCTION

U.S. Coast Guard command center crews in the Northeast states have a new way to locate vessels in distress. Called i911, the system allows watch standers to enter a cell phone number and use the phone's location data to display the location of the device on a map.

USCG Text Message

Here's how it works. Suppose that a loved one is overdue from a fishing trip. You can call the Command Center and provide them with their cell phone number. The Command Center will send a text message asking them to click a link in the message if they need help.

Once they click the link, they will be taken to a web page with a big red button to click, giving the Coast Guard permission to use the location data provided by their phone's internal GPS. The location information is then provided to rescuers, helping to take the "search" out of search and rescue.