ICW
New App Ditch Charts a Course for Stress-Free Cruising
Written by: Jennifer Williams
February 17, 2024
For some boaters, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a boater's dream on paper. Often nicknamed "The Ditch" the ICW's 1,200 miles of interconnected bays, rivers, and estuaries can be daunting. Unfamiliar territory, shallow water on the ICW, potential hazards like shifting sandbars, and 130 Intracoastal Waterway bridges with varying opening schedules can all contribute to navigation anxiety testing the patience of even the most seasoned captain. But a new Intracoastal Waterway Navigation App, Ditch, is transforming the ICW experience with never-seen-before coastal auto routing features.
"We've built an AI Navigation App for Boating to take the guesswork out of navigating the ICW," says Peter Williams, co-founder of Ditch. “Our cloud-based technology analyzes AIS data to establish real-time vessel traffic patterns. This allows Ditch to optimize smart routes for efficiency and safety”
Owen Davies, a licensed captain, and co-founder of Ditch, emphasizes the benefits of using a boating navigation app. "Charts and navigation systems are great tools, but they can't capture everything. It’s local boaters that are familiar with shallow areas, submerged rocks, strong currents, or debris fields that might not be marked on a chart," says Davies. “Ditch is truly a local knowledge boating app. The app provides auto routing directly to your mobile device, revealing the paths preferred by local boaters.”
Ditch empowers captains of all experience levels. For seasoned navigators, Ditch suggests optimal routes even in uncharted areas. For newcomers to the ICW, Ditch acts as a virtual guide, instilling confidence and ensuring a smooth journey. Ditch Navigation offers a subscription-based service for $30 a year along with a one-month trial period. Ditch is the perfect companion for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of the ICW.
The apps AI-powered approach to auto routing represents a potential disruption within the recreational boating industry. Early adopters report increased efficiency and reduced stress levels while navigating the ICW, traditionally considered a challenging route for less-experienced captains.
Download the Ditch Navigation App and experience the difference. This just might be the Best App for Navigating the ICW
