SkipperCheck Launches Browser-Based COLREG and VHF SRC Simulator Library with 10 Free Demo Scenarios

54 COLREG bridge scenarios + 15 VHF radio scenarios with 10 free demos available without registration. Comparable training experience to professional academy simulators, at a small fraction of the cost. A daily maritime crossword joins the free training tools.

SkipperCheck.net today launches an interactive browser-based maritime training library — 54 COLREG / ARPA / AIS bridge scenarios and 15 VHF SRC radio scenarios — with 10 free demo scenarios available immediately without registration. The platform is designed both for recreational sailors and for professional candidates preparing for certification exams or refreshers. Alongside the simulator library, the platform also adds a new daily maritime-themed crossword puzzle.

The launch addresses a long-standing gap in maritime training tools, where bridge-simulator software from incumbents such as Transas, Wärtsilä and Kongsberg starts at over €1,000 per seat — far beyond reach of the recreational skipper preparing for a yacht charter, the cadet preparing for a national or STCW exam, or the licensed officer in periodic refresh. The SkipperCheck platform supports preparation for major international and national certification systems including RYA (UK), IYT, ASA, DSV / SBF (Germany), FFV (France), STCW for commercial seafarers, and various other national licensing schemes administered by maritime authorities across Europe.

SkipperCheck's VHF SRC course is developed in official cooperation with the Electronic Communications Office of Latvia (national ITU member authority). SkipperCheck is officially recommended by the Latvian Coast Guard and MRCC Riga. The platform's development also took into account recommendations from the Seafarers' Register of the Maritime Administration of Latvia. The VHF SRC course aligns with CEPT/ERC/REC 31-04 recommendations and ITU Radio Regulations.

Free without registration

• 10 demo simulator scenarios — 7 COLREG bridge collision-avoidance (Head-On Rule 14, narrow channels, TSS crossing, fishing-vessel night lights, sound signals) and 3 VHF SRC radio scenarios (voice Mayday, DSC distress, routine radio check). No account, no payment, no install.
• Daily Maritime Crossword at /crossword/daily — a fresh 13×13 grid each UTC midnight built from a 392-term sailing, navigation, VHF and yachting glossary. A highly effective way to drill maritime terminology into long-term memory.

Full simulator access — three options

• COLREG bridge simulator (54 scenarios) — included with the Skipper Refresher Course at €99.99 lifetime, with online exam and digital certificate
• VHF SRC radio simulator (15 scenarios) — included with the VHF SRC Course at €199 lifetime, including DSC-capable Short Range Certificate
• Both simulators + all future simulators added to the platform — included with the Marine Simulator Training subscription, from €14.99/week, cancel anytime

The full 69-scenario library — covering COLREG 1972 Rules 2, 5–10, 12–19, 23–30, 34–35 plus the full GMDSS / VHF SRC voice and DSC procedures — is available with the subscription. Either course alone unlocks its own simulator and includes a permanent certificate.

"Bridge simulator software has historically been priced for maritime academies, not for the recreational skipper preparing for the next charter or the cadet running pre-exam refreshers from home. We built a browser-only training tool that any sailor can practise on for free, with 10 demo scenarios — and a full COLREG simulator library at the price of a single boat fender." — Askolds Hermanis, SkipperCheck founder, yacht captain with 30,000+ nautical miles sailed

How it works

The simulators run entirely in modern browsers (desktop and mobile) with no install required. The COLREG bridge simulator presents an integrated radar PPI with AIS overlay, ARPA-style CPA / TCPA tracking, and realistic ship-handling response by vessel type. The VHF simulator emulates an Icom IC-M423G-class radio panel with full DSC menu navigation.

Each of the 69 scenarios has a dedicated landing page with situation briefing, applicable COLREG rule citation, recommended actions, and a "Launch scenario" button. The full index is at https://skippercheck.net/simulator/scenarios.

Designed for

• RYA, IYT, ASA, Yachtmaster and equivalent national certification preparation
• STCW commercial seafarer exam preparation and periodic refresh
• Maritime academy and deck-officer cadet training
• Recreational skippers refreshing knowledge before charter
• VHF SRC candidates practising real radio procedures before the exam
• Licensed officers maintaining situational-awareness skills

About SkipperCheck

SkipperCheck.net is an online maritime training platform serving recreational sailors, charter customers and professional candidates worldwide. Founded by yacht captain and sailing instructor Askolds Hermanis (25+ years of yachting in Europe, 30,000+ nautical miles sailed), the platform offers the VHF SRC Course, the Skipper Refresher Course, browser-based COLREG and VHF simulators, a daily maritime crossword, a daily Strike Quiz, and independent yacht consulting.

The VHF SRC course was developed in official cooperation with the Electronic Communications Office of Latvia (national ITU member authority). SkipperCheck is officially recommended by the Latvian Coast Guard and MRCC Riga. The platform's development also took into account recommendations from the Seafarers' Register of the Maritime Administration of Latvia. In partnership with Latvia's National Defence Academy, the team provides introductory sailing training to future military officers.

Press kit

Media contact

Askolds Hermanis, Founder
SkipperCheck.net
info@skippercheck.net
WhatsApp: +371 26033818