The MetService Marine smartphone app is now being used on average 235,513 times a month – more than double last year's rate of 112,852.

In addition, more than 100,000 boaties are using Coastguard Nowcasting via its app, VHF marine radio and text services. The app was launched just 18 months ago.

More and more people are using the marine smartphone app. Photo; Supplied.

'These results are great news,” says Maritime New Zealand acting director Lindsay Sturt.

'Check the marine weather forecast is a safer boating key message, and it is most encouraging to see such an increase in people doing just that.

'Boaties have to be sure it is a marine forecast they are using. Land forecasts are different and will not help you on a boat.”

Land and general forecasts do not take into account wind speed over water (which is double that over land) or the waves or swell. If a land forecast does give wind speed, it is in km/hr and that is an indicator that you are listening to the wrong forecast.

'Bad weather makes the environment on board a boat extremely hazardous,” says Lindsay.

'Too many recreational boating fatalities happen because of bad weather.

'Add to that weather-related injuries, boats sinking, damage and the cost of rescue, and then you see why checking the marine forecast is so important.”

MetService general manager corporate affairs, Jacqui Bridges, says the beauty of MetService Marine is its simplicity.

'It is a great way to bring the marine forecast to life in an easy to use way,” she says.

MetService Marine opens with today's recreational marine forecast for the default location of your choice, and includes forecasts for all New Zealand coastal and recreational marine areas, severe weather, tide, a rain radar and other information.

It works hand-in-hand with Maritime NZ's Marine Mate app.