As an avid offshore fisherman, in Florida, I think about nautical apps all the time, the problem is that the iPhone is not safety rated at the level that you would want to use it for an app that you life could depend on. I don't know much about the laws but you could run afoul of safety regulation by simply creating an application with the express intent of using it for these applications. I know Navionics provides their map software on the iPhone so it may be possible, but it definitely warrants more research before investing the time to develop a product.
Comments
As an avid offshore fisherman, in Florida, I think about nautical apps all the time, the problem is that the iPhone is not safety rated at the level that you would want to use it for an app that you life could depend on. I don't know much about the laws but you could run afoul of safety regulation by simply creating an application with the express intent of using it for these applications. I know Navionics provides their map software on the iPhone so it may be possible, but it definitely warrants more research before investing the time to develop a product.