ICS vs Signal Deck
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
ICS
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Do you want to read signal flags confidently, know Morse code and the phonetic alphabet (NATO/ICAO) and speak the language of sailors? This app is your guide to the International Code of Signals (ICS). App features: β’ A complete set of signals: learn the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...), signal flags and Morse code. β’ Correct pronunciation: learn not only to write but also to speak correctly. β’ Effective memorization: consolidate your knowledge with the help of tests. β’ Progress and statistics: track your progress in each section and set records in tests. β’ Works offline: study anywhere: at sea, on a yacht or at home without the Internet. Who is this app for? This app is for sailors and captains, yachtsmen, cadets of maritime educational institutions, radiotelegraph operators and everyone who is interested in the sea. Learn visual and sound signals with the help of tests and voice acting. Download now and start learning the language of the sea.
Signal Deck
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SignalDeck is the essential training companion for mariners, naval cadets, offshore sailors, and maritime enthusiasts who want to master the International Code of Signals (ICS) flag system β the visual language of the sea. Study the Full ICS Flag Set Browse all 36 ICS flags β the complete 26-letter alphabet (Alpha through Zulu) plus 10 numeral pennants (0 through 9) β presented as beautifully rendered flashcards. Each card shows the flag's name, NATO phonetic pronunciation, and its official maritime meaning. Swipe through at your own pace, filter by letters or numerals, or shuffle the deck to keep every session fresh. Three Drill Modes to Test Your Knowledge Visual ID: A flag appears on screen. Can you name it before time runs out? Tap the correct NATO name from four options and build your streak as the pace intensifies. Flag Bag: The challenge flips β you're given a NATO letter or name and must pick the correct flag from four choices. Perfect for cementing the visual recognition you've built in study mode. Flag IQ: A memory match game with a nautical twist. Flip face-down cards on a grid to pair each flag image with its NATO letter or official ICS meaning. Choose Easy (4Γ4, letter cards), Medium (4Γ5, meaning cards), or Hard (6Γ6, mixed) β and earn your rating from Bridge Apprentice to Master Chief Signalman based on how few mismatches you make. Built for Serious Learners Animated flags rendered with authentic nautical proportions and a sea-breeze waving effect Streak tracking with escalating visual feedback as your streak climbs "Needs Practice" summary after every drill β instantly see which flags to revisit Fleet Readiness Heatmap in your drill log β colour-coded badges show your mastery level for every flag at a glance Drill log that records every session so you can track progress over time Timed pressure in Visual ID and Flag Bag mirrors the urgency of real-world flag communication A Living Reference at Sea and Ashore Whether you're preparing for a maritime exam, brushing up before an offshore passage, training cadets, or simply fascinated by the tradition of visual signaling, SignalDeck gives you a focused, distraction-free environment to drill the flags that matter. Free to Start β Go Premium for Unlimited Access New users get free drill sessions to explore the app. Watch a short ad to unlock another round, or upgrade to Premium for unlimited drills, no ads, and full access to every mode and difficulty tier. The sea doesn't wait. Neither should your training.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Signal Deck at Free against ICS's $2.99. Signal Deck also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 9 months) and device support (3 vs 1). ICS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown).
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Signal Deck is free to download; ICS costs $2.99 up front. Signal Deck sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ICS asks for nothing beyond the download.
ICS ships an update every 9 months, Signal Deck every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ICS | Signal Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | Free β better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 2 weeks β better |
| Ads | No β better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No β better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod β better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.1 β better |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 54 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Smirnov Yury | Ernest Jessop |
In-app purchases
ICS
No in-app purchases
Signal Deck
- Signal Deck Pro$0.99









