Read the time before the map.
Check both Last position and Tracker last in touch. A recent connection with an old position does not show where the boat is now. A tracker which has gone quiet does not prove the boat has moved.
FICTIONAL EXAMPLE / NOT A LIVE REPORT
- Last position
- 3 hours ago
- Tracker last in touch
- 10 minutes ago
The tracker contacted the service recently. The position is still three hours old.
Ask the person who has the boat.
If someone has permission to use or look after the boat, try to reach them first. Keep messages and agreed return dates. A boat lent and not returned needs help even without a crime reference.
If there is no answer, explain the circumstances to the police, your insurer and the relevant navigation authority. Let them decide the appropriate route.
Keep the facts together.
- Recent photographs and distinguishing details.
- When and where you last knew the boat was present.
- The original position and contact times, including the time zone.
- Your bill of sale, licence, insurance and relevant messages.
- Any police reference and the date of your report.
Share sensitive documents and location history privately with the appropriate people. Do not publish device identifiers, access links or another person’s details.
Tracking-history export is part of the planned owner service. This guide does not export data, file a police report or notify anyone.
A boat record is a useful starting point.
The Boat Index provides public boat records and a stolen-boat reporting route. An account claim links a record to an account. A claim is not proof of legal ownership.
No crime reference? Start with the record and the Index’s contact route. Do not label a dispute as theft or accuse someone publicly. Private-watch and owner-notice features are being developed separately.
What tracking does and does not tell you.
A tracker reports a position from a particular time. Reporting needs power and signal. The unit might be found, disconnected or switched off. Tracking does not prove ownership and BoatTracker is not a monitored emergency or recovery service.
BoatTracker’s connected owner service and alert delivery still await physical testing. No location or account information passes to The Boat Index through these links.