Comparison

IRPCS vs Day Skipper Theory Prep

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

Day Skipper Theory Prep

Features
Read full description

Day Skipper Theory Prep is an independent, unofficial shorebased navigation study app for sailors preparing chartwork, tides, IRPCS collision regulations, IALA Region A buoyage, pilotage, weather, safety and passage planning. Walk into your Day Skipper theory papers with structured practiceβ€”not cramming. Build mastery with timed mocks, topic drills, a buoyage & light trainer, tide calculation exercises, flashcards with spaced repetition, and a readiness dashboard. UNOFFICIAL STUDY AID This app is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) or any training centre. All questions are original study content based on public collision regulations (COLREGs/IRPCS) and standard recreational navigation practice. Practising here does not guarantee a pass on any official course assessment. WHAT YOU GET β€’ 2,000+ original multiple-choice questions across the full shorebased syllabus β€’ Timed theory mocks (50 questions, 90 minutes, 70% pass mark for practice) β€’ Quick practice and practice-by-topic β€’ Buoyage & light recognition trainer (IALA Region A) β€’ Tide height, range and stream calculation drills β€’ Review incorrect answers and bookmarks β€’ Flashcards with spaced repetition β€’ Progress dashboard: readiness %, topic mastery, mock trend, countdown and streak β€’ Results breakdown with weak-area drills β€’ Exam Info with syllabus themes and tips β€’ Fully offline after download β€” study on the boat or train HARD PAYWALL Full access requires a subscription or lifetime unlock. No free sample content inside the app after purchase gate. SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS (USD reference; local prices may vary) β€’ Monthly: $4.99 per month, auto-renewing β€’ Yearly: $14.99 per year, auto-renewing (best value) β€’ Lifetime: $24.99 one-time purchase Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Restore Purchases is available on the paywall and in Settings. Privacy Policy: https://joykhansayan1.github.io/day-skipper-theory-prep/privacy.html Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Support: https://joykhansayan1.github.io/day-skipper-theory-prep/support.html Keywords natural blend: day skipper theory, shorebased navigation, sailing exam prep, chartwork practice, COLREGs quiz, IRPCS rules of the road, IALA buoyage, tidal calculations, yacht skipper study, coastal navigation training.

Screenshots

IRPCS4 screens
Day Skipper Theory Prep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Day Skipper Theory Prep at none against IRPCS's shown. IRPCS's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, 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. IRPCS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Day Skipper Theory Prep sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IRPCS ships an update every 3 days, Day Skipper Theory Prep every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
IRPCS versus Day Skipper Theory Prep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIRPCSDay Skipper Theory Prep
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 days β€” betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo β€” better
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 β€” better17.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size73 MB3 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperPaul WhittleMD Shahariar Nazim Joy

In-app purchases

2 purchases

IRPCS

Subscriptions2
  • IRPCS Pro 1 month$4.991 Month
  • IRPCS Pro$29.991 Year
3 purchases

Day Skipper Theory Prep

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium$4.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$24.99

Questions

Is IRPCS free?
IRPCS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Day Skipper Theory Prep free?
Day Skipper Theory Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do IRPCS or Day Skipper Theory Prep have ads?
IRPCS shows ads; Day Skipper Theory Prep does not.
Which is updated more often, IRPCS or Day Skipper Theory Prep?
IRPCS ships an update every 3 days, and Day Skipper Theory Prep every 2 months. Most recently, IRPCS was updated on October 25, 2026 and Day Skipper Theory Prep on October 16, 2026.

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