I wouldn't rely of the free Navionics navigation app on my phone, but I'm an older somewhat experienced sailor. Truth is, most of the newbs and kids heading out on the water today in sailboats and motorboats, don't have any charts; they never did(I remember )

I learned to pilot on paper in a simple course, decades after I learned to sail. Today I might have picked up more navigation skills sooner with what's available.

I'm thinking too that the scenario you list, Gene, is something new. What will the CG do with navigation aid maintenance now that electronic charting is the norm? They may change how they do that. Could be a cost saver as updates can be instant where as on paper, it took forever or never happened(I never updated my charts-just bought new ones when they fell apart).

Mavbe electronic charting and internet will become a faster mode to educate new sailors on piloting and navigation, who knows.