10 More Free Smartphone Apps Seafarers Must Have

Travelling to uncharted regions, unknown countries and unfamiliar environments, seafarers are always at risk to problems that they are often not aware of. With minimum resources and almost negligible help from the authorities, seagoing professionals often have to deal with problems on their own, making them rely on the internet- the endless supply of information. In this age and time when mobile apps for smartphones and tablets are taking charge, it has become extremely necessary to know the “reliable and trustworthy” ones to keep us on the right track.

Just like for others, Mobile apps have become an integral part of seafarering lifestyle. Apps such as WhatsApp and Skype are indispensable and imperative tools in order to stay connected with the loved ones back on shore. While internet connection is always an issue on majority of the ships, the industry is making efforts to resolve the problem with several ship operators offering internet access on board. Needless to say, it has become more easier than ever to keep in touch with family and friends, thanks to some of the popular mobile apps accessible through smartphones.

In continuation to our previous article – 10 Free Mobile Apps For Seafarers, we have compiled yet another list of FREE smartphone apps which are helpful for seafarers and professionals from the maritime industry.

1 . Anti-Shipping Activity Message (ASAM) App

The Anti-Shipping Activity Message mobile app by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is an extremely important tool offering geographic location and reported accounts of hostile acts – piracy, robbery, hijacking and kidnapping – against maritime ships, crews and passengers.

Anti-Shipping Activity Message
Credits: itunes Apple Store

The app also allows users to cache, or store, warning data pulled from the ASAM database when connected to the Internet. Once the data is cached, the app works without a Wi-Fi or cellular connection so users can view reports, even while disconnected. In addition to iTunes, the app will also be available on Google Play in the near future.

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2. First Aid Apps

Not specifically made for seafarers, but the “First Aid” app by American Red Cross and British Red Cross features simple, easy advice on everyday first aid scenarios, as well as tips on how to prepare for emergencies. There is often dearth of correct information on board ships, when it comes to providing first aid and immediate response to injuries.

First Aid Apps
Credits: Google PlayStore

These apps features simple, easy advice on everyday first aid scenarios, as well as tips on how to prepare for emergencies.

There are also videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice for quick learning. The information required is hosted on the app itself, meaning no internet connection is needed, making it fast and easy to access.

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3. ReCAAP Anti-Piracy App

ReCAAP’s anti-piracy provides information on the latest piracy Incident Alert and reports. The main aim of the app is to provide the shipping community timely and better situation awareness, and enable timely reporting of an incident to the nearest ReCAAP Focal Points/Contact point and submission of an incident report.

ReCAAP Anti-Piracy App
Credits: ReCAAP ISC

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4. Port State Inspections Pocket Checklists App

The Port State Inspections Pocket Checklist mobile app helps to identify the most common causes of ship detention and is widely acknowledged as a useful tool in helping owners and operators to comply with convention requirements and thereby reduce the risk of their ships being detained.

Port State Inspections Pocket Checklists App
Credits: Google PlayStore

This app enables you to to view necessary legislative and regulatory requirements, save multiple checklists, check off completed activities, add essential notes/ images and send the completed checklists via email.

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5. Currency Converter 

Seafarers are constantly changing countries and time zones. With new port comes new currency. A currency converter which gives the latest currency rates is a must have. The XE currency converter app offers live proprietary currency rates, charts, and even stores the last updated rates, so it works when the Internet doesn’t. One of the most popular currency converter app available online, it offers a wide range of features which can be extremely beneficial to seafarers. There is a “pro” version as well but the “free” one suffice almost all the needs.

Currency Converter 
Credits: Google PlayStore

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6. Marpol Pocket Checklist 

With rising environmental concerns and stringent implementation of maritime regulations regarding the same, it has become important than ever for seafarers to be aware of the MARPOL regulations like the back of their hands. The Marpol Pocket Checklist mobile app by Lloyd’s Register Group and UK P&I Club highlights the most common deficiencies listed by the MARPOL annexes to help seagoing professionals to comply with the international convention requirements.

Marpol Pocket Checklist
Credits: Google PlayStore

The app enables to view necessary legislative and regulatory requirements, save multiple checklists, check off completed activities, add essential notes/ images and send the completed checklists via email.

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7. Marine Fire Safety Pocket Checklist

Marine Fire Safety Pocket Checklist is yet another app by Lloyd’s Register in collaboration with UK P & I Club. The app aims to reduce the risk of port state control detentions by helping crew members with checklist and helpful tips.

Marine Fire Safety Pocket Checklist
Credits: Google PlayStore

The Marine Fire Safety Pocket Checklist lists 32 items where deficiencies are most commonly found, 30 certificates and documents that must be carried on board and 15 helpful tips to help ensure the ship complies with international convention requirements. The checklist has been conveniently organised by distinct ship area so that individual crew members can take responsibility for the area of the ship he or she is in charge of.

Just like the preivous ones, this app also enables to view necessary legislative and regulatory requirements, save multiple checklists, check off completed activities, add essential notes/ images and send the completed checklists via email.

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8. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor, as most of us would know, is a full-fledged travellers’ app. However, as frequent travellers, seafarers must be able to move around new countries safely and make the best of the limited time available to them. The TripAdvisor is the best “travel” companion one can have with options such as “near me now”, “things to do”, “restaurants” etc. This is a great app to plan your shore leave in advance so that you know where to go and what to do at your favourite ports.

TripAdvisor
Credits: Google PlayStore

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9. Seafarers’ Rights App

(Technically, this is not an app but a mobile friendly version of the Seafarer’s Rights Archive)

Seafarer’s Rights mobile app by Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) offers immediate information to seafarers facing legal problems concerning their rights. The app has been designed to operate offline so that seafarers can access information at all times, from any place in the world. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices.

Seafarers' Rights App

The app also has a unique ‘Find a Lawyer’ tool which gives immediate access to a database of lawyers around the world who have signed up to the SRI Charter – a statement of good practice in the provision of legal services to seafarers – and who may be able to offer assistance to seafarers facing criminal prosecution.

Visit App Here

10. CDC TravWell App

No one knows the importance of proper planning before international travel better than seafarers. Though they are accustomed to frequent travelling, there are things that often get overlooked. The Travewell Mobile App By Centers For Disease Control and Prevention helps in planning a safe and healthy international travel. Build a trip to get destination-specific vaccine recommendations, a checklist of what you need to do to prepare for travel, and a customizable healthy travel packing list. The app also lets you store travel documents, keep a record of your medications and immunisations, and set reminders to get vaccine booster doses or take medicines while you’re traveling.

CDC TravWell App

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Additional Mentions

Wifi Finder App

As seafarers we are always in search of free/paid wifi-zones. The Wi-Fi finder app helps in quickly and easily find FREE or paid WiFi zones when travelling. You can also download all of the locations offline, so you know how to stay connected when you are on the road.

Using the GPS function on your iPhone, the Wi-Fi finder will tell you exactly where the closest Wi-Fi hotspot is, and how to get there.

Using the GPS function on your iPhone, the Wi-Fi finder will tell you exactly where the closest Wi-Fi hotspot is, and how to get there.

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Marine Insight News App

Get the latest news updates, articles and opinions on the topics that matter the most in the industry. The Marine Insight app keeps you updated with all the trending topics and happenings from the maritime industry.

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Pacifica

Problems related to stress and anxiety is on the rise on board ships. Stressing environment and long working hours are leading to anxiety related issues among seafarers.

The Pacifica mobile app can help those suffering from anxiety, mood disorders and stress. This app teaches deep breathing, behavioural exercises, excises and identifying cognitive distortions (negative thinking patterns), and learning how to replace them with positive thinking patterns.

The app helps in changing negative thoughts into positive ones and allows you to see your progress.

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Wikihow

Wikihow is the world leading how-to guide in app format. In this app you’ll find the Survival Kit, a collection of emergency situation guides every person should have stored on their devices. Emergency guides to do CPR, provide first aid, or perform the Heimlich maneuver could save a life. The app even contains guides to land an airplane in an emergency or escape from a bear. All Survival Kit articles are stored for offline use so you won’t need internet service to access them.

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Foursquare

This is a famous and widely used app around the world. It is the ultimate city guide in your pocket. With this app, you will be able to find the best places to eat, drink, shop, or visit — in any city in the world. You can discover new places nearby and have access to 60 million short reviews from local experts. Search for the best restaurants, coffee, nightlife, shops, and more – all information is available in this one.

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ASKET Maritime Security App

This app provides a list of resources useful for the owner, CSO and SSO of any vessel. The app includes Anti Piracy Bridge Cards, Quick Links to Emergency Contacts, Location services Map View, Maritime Crime Check Lists, Best Management Practice Check Lists, Location Services, Security Charts, Pirate Skiff/Dhow Recognition Guides and many more security resources.

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What apps do you use at the sea and when travelling?

Note: This is not an extensive list. All of these applications are available on both Android and iPhone operating systems and are free to download.

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About Author

Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and entrepreneur. After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.

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7 Comments

  1. Thanks a ton for the info… Had few of them before, downloaded the rest.. can you please tell me how to download the Seafarer right App…Thanks in advance

  2. Thanks for adding ASKETs Maritime Security App, we are adding more info all the time, now has push notifications for piracy and security alerts!

    Si

  3. Nice info.
    I believe all this apps are to be used when connect to internet,so please,can u provide us with an offline apps that are useful also to seafarers in the time of no internet access.

  4. This is a great roundup of useful apps for those out on the sea. I appreciate your mention of the First Aid apps. Knowing what to do in the case of an emergency is crucial when you are so far away from medical personnel. Although the best thing to do is become certified in First Aid and CPR before journeying out to sea, having a handy app to help can make a big difference should you not know what to do. Thank you for sharing this useful information. I hope your readers take heed of your advice.

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