# Boat Lights — On-Water Reference Guide > On-water reference guide for boat navigation lights, shapes, and sounds. (iPhone/iPad app by Glenn Ludlow.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boat-lights/id464656024 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Glenn Ludlow](https://appshunter.io/developer/464656027) - Category: Navigation, Lifestyle - Price: Free (on sale, was $3.99) - Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 18 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 13.0 · 8 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-09-22 - Data updated: 2026-07-18 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boat-lights/id464656024/reviews.md ## What is Boat Lights? Boat Lights: intuitive, useful and simple to use boat mobile app for boat operators to determine the meaning of navigation lights, shapes and sounds used on the water. Boat Lights uses "Draw-What-You-See" search engine to quickly and easily search the comprehensive database for exact and possible matches. **** A perfect tool for a maritime instructor to project the app in the classroom. **** Boat Lights is now being used in over 50 countries world wide as both a reference guide and a learning aid. **** On-Water Reference Guide - Intuitive & quick to use - "Draw-What-You-See" search engine - Visual browser - Flash cards for self testing - Boat navigation lights - Boat navigation shapes - Boat sounds and signals - Navigation rules / regulations - Navigation marks - Easily configured for different rule sets - All data is stored in the app - no network connection required when using the app Supported Rule Sets - International (COLREGS) - USA Inland - Australian - IALA Region A - IALA Region B ## Key features - Draw-What-You-See search engine - Visual browser - Flash cards for self-testing - Boat navigation lights, shapes, and sounds - Navigation rules and regulations - Offline data storage - Support for multiple rule sets ## Recent user reviews (10 of 18) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boat-lights/id464656024/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Boat lights app *2014-02-16, version 2.2.1* I found this app to be completely useless in conjunction with navigation shore based course. It does not teach about the numerous lighting requirements for different sailing craft . You simply put up light variations and obtain a multiplicity of answers. ### 5/5 — Boat Lights *2013-08-24, version 2.2.1* A very useful tool to identifying lights, shapes and sound signals. Simple and easy to use. Recommended. ### 5/5 — Very Clever *2013-04-19, version 2.2.1* The visual search is impressive. Nicely done. Quick and simple. ### 4/5 — Good app *2013-03-22, version 2.2.1* The browse section works well and the ability to change to different rules is great. Also being able to see the actual rule is great. Definitely worth the 4 bucks. ### 5/5 — A must have *2012-07-26, version 2.2.1* An essential app when out on the water. Very useful for seasoned and beginner boating people! ### 3/5 — Could be better *2012-04-22, version 2.1* Nice app but would be much improved by having a flash section putting up sequences at random for interpretation. Would be excellent practice for yachtmaster exam. ### 4/5 — Classroom worthy *2012-04-02* As a maritime instructor, I project this app on to the wall and use it as a training aid, students love it! ### 5/5 — Great Application ! *2012-02-24, version 2.1* Helpfull, easy to use and educational ! The must have app when out on the boat at night ! very impressive ! ### 5/5 — Excellent App *2012-02-18, version 2.1* Very useful and very easy to use. I would recommend to all boat lovers out there. ### 5/5 — Best app ever *2012-02-17, version 2.1* Cant believe so much knowledge is there when u dig down this app... Very Easy to navigate n control ... Anyone who wants to get a boat licence shld get this app .... This will take u through all the rules n law to qualify .. Gud luck ## Frequently asked questions about Boat Lights ### What is Boat Lights used for? Boat Lights is a mobile app designed for boat operators to identify the meaning of navigation lights, shapes, and sounds used on the water. It serves as a comprehensive reference guide and learning aid. ### How does the "Draw-What-You-See" search work in Boat Lights? The "Draw-What-You-See" search engine allows users to quickly find information by drawing the lights, shapes, or sounds they observe. The app then searches its database for exact and possible matches. ### Can I use Boat Lights without an internet connection? Yes, all the data for Boat Lights is stored within the app, meaning you do not require a network connection to use it. This makes it a reliable tool for use on the water. ### What navigation rule sets does Boat Lights support? Boat Lights supports several rule sets, including International (COLREGS), USA Inland, Australian, and IALA Regions A and B. The app can be easily configured for different rule sets. ### Is Boat Lights suitable for learning? Yes, Boat Lights includes flash cards for self-testing and is used by maritime instructors to project the app in classrooms. Its comprehensive database and intuitive design make it an effective learning aid. ### How often is Boat Lights updated? The latest version of Boat Lights is 3.3, which was last updated on July 29, 2020. While updates may not be frequent, the app provides a stable reference for navigation rules. ### What devices is Boat Lights available on? Boat Lights is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is rated for ages 4 and up. ### Does Boat Lights have ads? No, Boat Lights does not contain advertisements. It is a free application with no in-app purchases or ads, providing an uninterrupted user experience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.3 — 2020-07-29 Flash card improvements. - Tests can now be exited and then resumed at a later time. - Past tests now store correct answers as well as incorrect answers. - The test size can now be chosen when starting a new test. - Fixes a bug where the app would sometimes crash when opening a past test. ### 3.2 — 2020-07-16 - Fixed an issue when viewing collision regulations, when the App was configured for the Australian rule set. - Fixed an issue with the search screen not working on iOS 13. - Updates to the About screen and to the issue reporting feature in the About screen. ### 3.1 — 2018-01-22 - New feature: Flash cards for self testing of vessel lights, shapes and sounds. - Minor bug fixes and improvements. ### 3.0 — 2017-11-20 Major update to the user interface. ### 2.3 — 2017-10-03 iOS 11 compatibility update. ## Apps similar to Boat Lights | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Real Tides & Currents Graph HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-tides-and-currents-graph-hd/id489534088) | 4.7 (479) | $6.99 | Navigation | | [NAVatHOME Australia](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/navathome-australia/id1668508030) | — | Free | Navigation | | [Sea Maps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sea-maps/id6584526029) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Navigation | | [Anchor Watch LIVE Zenkou FOLWR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-watch-live-zenkou-folwr/id6463221576) | — | Free | Navigation | | [Speed/Limit](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speedlimit/id6757099885) | — | Free | Navigation | | [Boat Logbook & GPS Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boat-logbook-and-gps-tracker/id6757792916) | — | Free | Navigation | ## More apps by Glenn Ludlow - [Where We Go](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/where-we-go/id1526286966) - [Assets On The Go](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/assets-on-the-go/id1540844143) - [Equipment](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/equipment/id1662162005) All apps by Glenn Ludlow: https://appshunter.io/developer/464656027 ## Related topics [navigation lights](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/navigation-lights) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-18.*