GPS mayday call system

Project field

Mobility and transport

Partner

Württembergischer Yacht-Club (WYC)

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The GPS mayday call system makes it possible to alert the rescue coordination center by simply hitting a button on a cell phone.

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The GPS mayday call system makes it possible to alert the rescue coordination center by simply hitting a button on a cell phone.

Short description

The GPS mayday call system makes it possible for water sports enthusiasts, in the event of an emergency, to alert the relevant rescue coordination center by simply hitting a button on their cell phone. The mayday call includes all the information required for the rescue center to be able to precisely locate those in distress and help them as fast as possible.

The mayday call system, developed by Deutsche Telekom, uses the satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) to automatically transmit the craft's position. When on the water, users have a mobile device with an integrated GPS receiver, which is installed with the software required for the mayday call. The cell phone is programmed with the user's name and personal information, as well as data such as the color, size, license number and model of the craft.

Simply hitting a button sends out a mayday call, which immediately provides the rescue coordination center with this personal information and the current location of the craft requiring assistance. The next step by the rescue center is to localize the craft's position using a map, request further details on the emergency situation if necessary, and initiate the relevant rescue measures..

Project goal

Rapid help for water sports enthusiasts in distress.

Benefits

In an emergency situation, it is not always possible for those on the water to clearly establish their position. Vessels are often not fitted with the professional radio technology required to call for assistance. The GPS mayday call system is extremely easy to use and can significantly improve the level of safety.

Project status

The GPS mayday call system was developed jointly by Deutsche Telekom, aquatic sports enthusiasts and institutions centered around the rescue services in Friedrichshafen. The mobile application transmits the injured's GPS coordinates via an exchange to the rescue coordination center. This enables the rescue services to find the injured individual more rapidly in case of an emergency, and to provide the necessary aid.

The prototypes were first tested on a small scale beginning in November 2007. As from July 2008, members of Württembergischer Yacht-Club and other sports associations were also able to test the application. The testing of the prototype in T-City was completed in July 2009. T-Mobile is currently examining the potential for nationwide marketing. T-City Friedrichshafen, as a test bed for innovative products and solutions, has contributed towards the gathering of valuable information on the product concept and the supplying, with reliable partners, of first findings regarding the acceptance of, and requirements for, a service of this type.