No Access!!!!!
Loaded with great features
Daily driver
To start, it is incomparably more versatile than Navionics for plotting routes and waypoints, estimating AIS target crossing range, as well as visualizing vessel data. For the last bit I use a YDWR02 NMEA-Wifi router, which wirelessly transmits all vessel sensor output to SEAiq on my iPads (such as GPS, speed, wind, depth, etc.).
Features I especially appreciate include ‘NMEA data smoothing’ (for an easier read on COG/AWS/SOG) and the ability to switch into ‘dark mode’ (to preserve your night vision). The app allows you to modify all kinds of parameters, enable alarms (wind speed, depth, AIS, anchor, etc.) and check tides, to name a few.
Similar to OpenCPN, you can also load custom satellite charts (.kap files from GoogleEarth or VentureFarther) which are invaluable when navigating in places where vector charts are inaccurate (ie. Navionics in Fiji) and/or when anchoring around rocks/coral reefs.
You can also load vector charts from subscription-based services like ChartWorld or NZ ENC, although I did find it quite complicated to setup initially (‘certificates’ and ‘user permits’ are required for each device). As a result, I often use SEAiq in tandem with Navionics while navigating in coastal waters, as the latter still offers great chart detail in most places. On the other hand, if you don’t plan on leaving US territorial waters, the NOAA charts in SEAiq are free and very easy to load.
Furthermore, all chart files and tracks are saved in an easily accessible folder, so you can backup, modify or share them across devices. I have never had any charts accidentally disappear, nor has the app ever crashed on me (unlike Navionics, which does so constantly).
Lastly, I am thankful to the developer, who was quick to answer any questions I have had thus far. The only request I would have is to add support for .MBTiles :) Thanks and keep up the good work! Highly recommend.
My favorite for beyond harbor
Good for S-63 charts
The setup process is the simplest I have seen.
I have logged a bug about it and the team was responsive.
I would personally like to see it become a bit easier and more fully to use like Navionics although I do understand it is targeted at marine pilots and their needs.
Not user friendly
Great navigation program
Please Add MBTILES Support
Blown away!
Only “real” navigation app out there
The AIS functionality is also incredibly useful; the course vectors and rate of turn indicators make it very easy to visualize crossing situations. Also useful is the ability to attach a VRM or EBL to AIS targets.
If you’re in the US you have free future access to all the official NOAA charts, and the tiling is handled reasonably well. I’ve also loaded New Zealand ENC charts as well as purchased others from Chartworld.
My workflow involves planning and plotting on the laptop, then transferring the files to phone and iPad for reference underway. I see the same notes on every device. What could be improved is the overall app speed, and being able to use purchased charts across devices (I know that last is more a problem of the chart suppliers).
Good app
Good
Well thought out
Great product for navigation.
SEAIq
Miserable chart downloader
Works in HK
My new favorite navigation app
Shame for dropping unencrypted s57/ cm93 chart support
Great app, .....
If SEAiq can fix this inequity, I would give it 10 stars, not just five.
