Press Release September 2013

September 2013:

3 New Reference Apps for Boaters and Sailors

UK based international app developer The Other Hat has launched three illustrated reference apps for cruising sailors and boaters. Available on Android and Apple devices, these are:

“Safe Skipper” – a compendium of safe boating information with 100+ graphics.

“Navigation Rules Inland” – the complete US Inland Rules with 100+ graphics.

“Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations” – a quick reference and learning tool to help interpret nautical charts.

Writer and illustrator Simon Jollands says: “We’ve made these apps for all those who want to increase their sailing knowledge from the comfort of their handheld device, whether ashore or afloat. Our aim is to make learning easier and more enjoyable for all boaters, whether they’re brushing up navigation skills, knowledge of the colregs, VHF radio procedures or ensuring that vessel and crew are fully prepared for every trip.”

Developer Stuart Batley says: “We are very pleased with the initial responses we have received during the testing phase. We always welcome feedback from users and plan to upgrade the apps on a regular basis. Further nautical titles are in the pipeline.”

Key features of each app

“Safe Skipper” is a compendium of safe boating information for leisure sailors and boaters, designed both as a learning tool for study ashore and for quick reference afloat. The information is presented in four sections:

Preparation (to stay safe – how to be well prepared before heading out)
Equipment (what equipment to have aboard and how to use it)
Communications (signaling, radio use, DSC)
Emergencies (what to do when many different kinds of emergencies occur)

This is a useful app to keep in your pocket and share with companions, to help everyone aboard be more informed of potential hazards and how to avoid them.

“Navigation Rules Inland” has likewise been designed as a learning tool for study ashore and reference afloat. Anyone responsible for a vessel must be able to quickly interpret what other vessels are doing, who has right of way and what action they should take to prevent a possible collision. This is not always easy, especially along crowded rivers, narrow channels, in harbors or in poor visibility.

There are 100 illustrations to help explain the most important rules:

Steering and Sailing Rules
Lights and Shapes
Sound and Light Signals
Distress Signals

The complete navigation rules, plus Annexes, Interpretative Rules and other associated Navigation Regulations are all included in this app.

“Nautical Chart Symbols & Abbreviations” provides quick reference to the symbols specified by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for use on international marine charts. There are five main sections:

General (chart layouts, positions, distances, directions and compass).
Topography (landmarks, ports and coastal land features).
Hydrography (tides, currents, depths, nature of the seabed, underwater obstructions, tracks, areas, limits and hydrographic terms).
Navigation Aids and Services (lights, buoys, fog signals, radar, radio, services and small craft facilities).
Index and Abbreviations (international abbreviations and index to symbols and abbreviations).

Supplementary National Symbols used by the United States and United Kingdom are included at the end of each section.

Requirements

All compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. Optimized for iPhone 5. Compatible with Android 2.2 and up. Prices: $2.99 / £1.99

About The Other Hat

Founded in January 2013, The Other Hat develops and publishes reference apps for the global market. It is based in West Sussex and Devon, UK.

Here’s a link to more information about these apps including YouTube demo videos plus links to the Apple and Google Play app stores.