Why 3S Group?
Originally developed for Search and Rescue operations, now used by the MCA (UK Coastguard), police, MOD, and by Search and Rescue Teams, 3S Group are a trusted provider of search and tracking software. You are in safe hands with their emergency support team, who are experienced Search and Rescue practitioners and instructors.
3S Group offer the most robust tracking solution on the market, for planning on PC, downloading maps to track groups on your laptop or mobile in the field, and with back up options including Track SMS (to track where no internet connectivity), and to ‘Locate’ any mobile.
In 2024 we renewed our contract with 3S Group, meaning they remain our only recommended tracking solution since 2012.
3S Group offer purchase or hire options to suit all groups, with the only hire solution on the market to provide Apps on iOS and Android, text back-up and an internet portal to complete the product suite. Combined with proven tracking devices, this provides a unique solution for enhancing safety on all expeditions.
Their suite of devices include:
Spot Gen4 from Globalstar
- A GPS satellite tracker which reliably emits a tracking signal, beyond mobile network or internet coverage.
- Three customisable buttons to stay updated with check-ins, rest breaks or non-urgent assistance alerts.
- SOS alert for emergencies.
- Flex account option- suspend trackers when not in use, saving on satellite subscription costs.
ZOLEO
- It is a small, compact device which connects to your Andro
id or iOS phone via Bluetooth, ensuring seamless global messaging beyond mobile network coverage. - The tracking function of ZOLEO is now fully integrated and can be visualised on all the 3S Group’
- s tracking solutions with further future planned enhancements to provide further added safety and communication features.
- Download the free app for true two-way comms with your own dedicated SMS number and email address.
- Rely on 24/7 SOS alerting, non-emergency medical assistance, accurate weather forecasts, check-in messages and enhanced tracking capability with LocationShare+.
- Once monitored a group who went off course by almost 2km, being monitored all the way, but realising their mistake, properly navigated back onto the correct route. No intervention necessary and a hand-clap on getting back on course by themselves. Of course, had the traditional checkpoints been used, then not having seen the group, would have led to the leaders scurrying around looking for them. In this case, there was no concern, just careful monitoring.
- Another example was a Gold practice group navigating the Devon footpaths before they hit Dartmoor, and incorrectly entering the wrong field, looking for a non-existent exit, before finally after a couple of laps of the field, getting back on track by themselves. In both cases no intervention was necessary, but each time the group were being monitored. The Devon group came back asking to be shown where they had gone wrong and that was easily remedied by showing the track of their movements.
In collaboration with the 3S Group Limited and the DofE, ZOLEO has launched their Young Explorers Discount Program. This discount program allows DofE participants, Scout Groups, and Cadet Forces to benefit from exclusive preferential pricing.
ZOLEO are offering:
- Free activation, saving £23 per device (inc. Vat)
- Discount of 15% on all subscription plans for the term of the plan.
On a typical 3-month hire, this reduces the total cost of the subscription plan by 30%, and when combined with the 3S Group educational discount price for the ZOLEO device, this now makes seamless two-way communication and tracking more affordable for expeditions.
If you are interested in finding out how to enhance the experience, education and safety of all involved in your expeditions, please hit the button below to request a call back.
You will receive a no obligation quotation from 3S Group. You can also contact them on 01392 241428 or by email to [email protected]
You can also join their Facebook Tracking Users Group, which provides exclusive offers and discounts, free advice, tracking trips and instructional videos. Join here
Having had a few groups wander off in the wrong direction in previous years and my hair turning a lighter shade; once introduced to this system it has been the best Duke of Edinburgh investment we have made. Prior to going onto the hillside, I train staff and students on how to use and manage the Trackers effectively whilst on an expedition. The benefits that I have found are:-We know exactly where each group is on the hillside.
-Staff do not have to sit at a checkpoint for hours waiting for a group, who may have bypassed them.
No more sitting around waiting for hours for groups to arrive, wondering where they are and if they are safe, especially in poor weather conditions. Now we have an update of their locations every ten minutes. It means we can anticipate problems before they arise and if there were an injury, quickly pinpoint their location. It means we can use our staff far more efficiently so that they arrive at checkpoints at appropriate times and can then move on to the next checkpoint. It also means that at Gold level, we can maintain our distance from the groups, while still having an overview of their progress.