Comparison

IRPCS vs SailPrep

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

Head to head
About

IRPCS

Features
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IRPCS is a focused training app for learning, revising and practising the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, commonly known as IRPCS or COLREGS. Built for skippers, SAR crew, lifeboat crews, maritime students, professional mariners and everyday boaters, IRPCS helps turn complex collision regulations into practical knowledge you can understand, remember and apply on the water. Whether you are preparing for an RYA, MCA or STCW assessment, supporting Search and Rescue training, refreshing your knowledge before going afloat, or improving your confidence with collision avoidance, IRPCS gives you a clear and structured way to study the rules that keep vessels safe at sea. The app covers all IRPCS/COLREGS rules, combining the official rule text with plain-English explanations, from experienced professionals. This helps you move beyond memorising wording and understand what each rule means in real situations, including who gives way, what action to take, how vessels should behave in restricted visibility, and how lights, shapes and sound signals are used. IRPCS is designed for regular practice. Use bite-sized lessons, adaptive quizzes and realistic maritime scenarios to build confidence step by step. Track your progress, identify weak areas and return to the topics that need more work. Key features include: β€’ All IRPCS/COLREGS rules in one place β€’ Official rule text with clear plain-English explanations β€’ Adaptive quizzes to help identify weak areas β€’ Realistic collision avoidance scenarios β€’ Lights, shapes and sound signal practice β€’ Progress tracking to monitor improvement β€’ Offline access for use while travelling or at sea β€’ Useful for SAR, lifeboat, commercial and leisure users β€’ Suitable for beginners, trainees and experienced mariners IRPCS is useful for: β€’ RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster preparation β€’ MCA and STCW maritime training β€’ Search and Rescue crew development β€’ Lifeboat crew training and revision β€’ Commercial vessel operators β€’ Sailing, motor boating and powerboat users β€’ Harbour, inshore and coastal navigation β€’ Refreshing knowledge before going afloat From steering and sailing rules to responsibilities between vessels, navigation lights, day shapes, sound signals, conduct in restricted visibility and actions to avoid collision, IRPCS helps you practise the knowledge that matters at sea. Learn the rules. Test your understanding. Build confidence. Stay safer on the water. Download IRPCS and start improving your COLREGS knowledge today. Subscription terms: IRPCS may offer auto-renewing subscriptions that provide access to premium learning, revision and practice features. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://irpcs.app/privacy IRPCS Terms: https://irpcs.app/terms

About

SailPrep

Features
Read full description

Whether you're taking your first sailing course, preparing for a certification, or simply want to refresh your knowledge before heading out on the water, SailPrep helps you become a safer and more confident skipper. Designed for both beginners and experienced sailors, SailPrep combines structured learning with quick revision and spaced repetition so important knowledge stays freshβ€”even after you've passed your exam. Prepare for sailing exams Study for popular sailing qualifications including: Lithuanian LBS boating and sailing exams RYA theory courses Day Skipper Coastal Skipper ICC preparation SRC radio basics ...and many other recreational boating courses. Learn faster Master essential topics including: COLREGs (Collision Regulations) CEVNI inland waterway rules Navigation Buoys and marks Lights and shapes Sound signals Safety equipment Weather Knots and lines Seamanship First aid Anchoring Mooring And much more. Stay sharp with smart notifications Learning shouldn't stop after the exam. Receive short, useful notifications containing: exam facts common mistakes quick revision questions safety reminders practical sailing tips Perfect for keeping your knowledge fresh throughout the sailing season. Study anywhere Flashcards Quiz mode Progress tracking Learn at your own pace Quick revision before sailing trips Bite-sized lessons that fit into your day Whether you're preparing for your first lesson, your next exam, or your next sailing adventure, SailPrep helps you become a better, safer sailor. Learn. Remember. Sail confidently. Terms of Use: https://monikazibolyte.github.io/SailPrep/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://monikazibolyte.github.io/SailPrep/privacy-policy.html Subscription Terms: https://monikazibolyte.github.io/SailPrep/subscription-terms.html

Screenshots

IRPCS4 screens
SailPrep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SailPrep at none against IRPCS's 2. SailPrep also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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. IRPCS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. SailPrep asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IRPCS ships an update fortnightly, SailPrep every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
IRPCS versus SailPrep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIRPCSSailPrep
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightly β€” betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo β€” better
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS15.115.1
Further details β€” not scored
Size49 MB66 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperPaul WhittleMonika Zibolyte

In-app purchases

2 purchases

IRPCS

Subscriptions2
  • IRPCS Pro 1 month$4.991 Month
  • IRPCS Pro$29.991 Year
None

SailPrep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is IRPCS free?
IRPCS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SailPrep free?
SailPrep is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do IRPCS or SailPrep have ads?
IRPCS shows ads; SailPrep does not.
Which is updated more often, IRPCS or SailPrep?
IRPCS ships an update fortnightly, and SailPrep every 2 weeks. Most recently, IRPCS was updated on October 1, 2026 and SailPrep on October 5, 2026.

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