Comparison

CA'Sim vs USCG Navigation Rules Handbook

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CA'Sim

Features
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Transform your device into a professional radar simulator and collision avoidance training tool. CASim is designed for maritime cadets, deck officers, and navigation enthusiasts who want to master the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) through practical application. Bridge the gap between theory and reality. Practice identifying risks on the radar scope, correlating them with visual aspects, and executing the correct maneuvering actions. Key Features: - Realistic Radar Simulator: Experience a fully functional Head-Up radar scope complete with variable range scales, target trails (history), and relative motion vectors. - Tactical Plotting (MoBoard): Integrated digital Maneuvering Board. Plot targets manually or automatically to calculate CPA (Closest Point of Approach), TCPA, and determine the precise course to steer to avoid collisions. - Visual Aspect Visualization: See what the target ship looks like in reality. The app generates 3D models with correct Navigation Lights (Night) and Day Shapes based on the target’s aspect angle. - Restricted Visibility Mode: Simulate fog conditions (Rule 19). Test your ability to navigate using only radar and sound signals. - Sound Signals: Authentic fog signals (Rule 35) are generated automatically based on the vessel type and status (Underway, Stopped, NUC, Anchored, etc.). - Custom Scenarios: Create your own traffic situations with multiple targets, varying speeds, and ship types to challenge your skills. Whether you are preparing for your competency exams or refreshing your skills, CASim provides the most comprehensive simulation environment right in your pocket. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

USCG Navigation Rules Handbook

Features
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The complete Navigation Rules, International (COLREGS) and Inland, side by side, rule by rule. Plus the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual and the International Code of Signals. Three public domain maritime references in one offline library. An independent reference app. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the US Coast Guard, the USCG Auxiliary, NGA, or the Department of Homeland Security. It reproduces their public domain publications, which are also free at navcen.uscg.gov. Free forever. No ads, no subscription, no account, no data sharing. NAVIGATION RULES HANDBOOK (COLREGS AND INLAND) The complete International Rules (72 COLREGS) and Inland Rules (33 CFR 83), presented side by side rule by rule exactly as the official handbook does, with a quick toggle to show only International, only Inland, or both at once. Parts A through F plus Annexes I through V. This is the whole rules of the road text, not a summary or a quiz bank. BOAT CREW SEAMANSHIP MANUAL The full manual: boat handling, towing, search and rescue, heavy weather, navigation, sound signals, anchoring. Every chapter, fully searchable. INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS (NGA PUB 102) All 40 signal flags (26 letters, 10 numerals, 3 substitutes and the answering pennant) with their single letter meanings, plus the two letter Distress, SAR, Maneuvering and Weather sections. WHO IT IS FOR β€’ Captains preparing for a USCG OUPV (six pack) or Master license β€’ Anyone studying the rules of the road for a licence exam β€’ Coast Guard Auxiliarists working through Boat Crew Member or Coxswain qualifications β€’ Recreational boaters and sailors who want the real rules at a glance, not a paraphrase β€’ Anyone responsible for the safe operation of a vessel WHY THIS ONE Most navigation rules apps charge between four and sixteen dollars for the text alone. Here the complete text of all three references, full search, and bookmarks are free, forever. A single $1.99 purchase adds the interactive study tools. There is no subscription and there never will be. PRO TOOLS, A SINGLE $1.99 PURCHASE SIDE BY SIDE RULE COMPARISON International (72 COLREGS) and Inland (33 CFR 83) shown in parallel for every rule. Toggle between Both, International, and Inland. This is the view license candidates need, because the exam asks which jurisdiction says what. KNOT LIBRARY Bowline, cleat hitch, clove hitch, square knot, sheet bend, round turn and two half hitches, anchor bend. Each with its use case, the verbatim Boat Crew procedure, and a deep link back to the manual section that covers it. SIGNAL FLAG DECODER A 40 flag grid with the phonetic name and glyph for every flag, plus a multi flag hoist decoder. Type the hoist, get the meaning. Works offline. QUALIFICATION CHECKLIST 42 Personnel Qualification Standards tasks across 10 categories including helmsmanship, navigation, engineering, communications, seamanship, first aid and damage control. Check off each task as you complete it. Every task deep links to the relevant Boat Crew Seamanship section so you can study it right there. OFFLINE BY DESIGN β€’ Fully offline, no signal needed underway β€’ Dark, low light interface for the wheelhouse at night β€’ Fast search across all three references at once β€’ Bookmarks and recently viewed sections β€’ Progress saved on your device SAFETY DISCLAIMER This app is a study and reference tool. NOT FOR PRIMARY NAVIGATION. Always consult current official publications, Local Notices to Mariners, and current charts when actually underway. Maritime regulations are updated weekly, so verify any operationally significant rule or procedure against the current source. ATTRIBUTION The Navigation Rules Handbook and Boat Crew Seamanship Manual are US Coast Guard publications and the International Code of Signals is an NGA publication, all works of the United States Government in the public domain. This app is an independent product with no government affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement.

Screenshots

CA'Sim4 screens
USCG Navigation Rules Handbook4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: CA'Sim at every 6 days against USCG Navigation Rules Handbook's every 3 weeks. USCG Navigation Rules Handbook's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. CA'Sim sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and USCG Navigation Rules Handbook sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CA'Sim ships an update every 6 days, USCG Navigation Rules Handbook every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
CA'Sim versus USCG Navigation Rules Handbook: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCA'SimUSCG Navigation Rules Handbook
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 6 days β€” betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS18.615.1 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size6 MB84 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJatuphol JaturapatSEDX LLC

In-app purchases

4 purchases

CA'Sim

Subscriptions3
  • Unlock All Features. (1 Month)1 Month trial$0.991 Month
  • Unlock All Features. (3 Months)$2.993 Months
  • Unlock All Features. (1 Year)$7.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$17.99
1 purchases

USCG Navigation Rules Handbook

One-time1
  • Coxswain Pro$0.99

Questions

Is CA'Sim free?
CA'Sim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is USCG Navigation Rules Handbook free?
USCG Navigation Rules Handbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do CA'Sim or USCG Navigation Rules Handbook have ads?
Neither CA'Sim nor USCG Navigation Rules Handbook shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CA'Sim or USCG Navigation Rules Handbook?
CA'Sim ships an update every 6 days, and USCG Navigation Rules Handbook every 3 weeks. Most recently, CA'Sim was updated on October 25, 2026 and USCG Navigation Rules Handbook on October 13, 2026.

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