[Gys]

I looked at blitzortung.org once because I was interested in detecting lighting while being on a boat. Especially to know the distance (the direction can be seen).

But a device can only measure the moment of discharge. Only in combination with other devices a position of the lightning can be established.

Maybe somebody wants to have a go at this. Because there are a lot of very expensive boats out there. Especially the ones with carbon masts...

[toomuchtodo]

The data is small enough you could receive the stream over Inmarsat or Iridium. And before you rebutt cost, I know exactly how much those carbon mast boats cost.

[Gys]

The other devices (preferably more then one) should be on other boats to be effective out on the oceans. So there is bit of a chicken en egg problem: not very useful if you are the only user.

It would be a project to discuss with a big freight company. One that has already many boats out there anyway. Maybe to get it started and financed.

[toomuchtodo]

Have you looked at XM weather? I believe it'll show lightening strikes. It has a subscription, but is of course broadcast only via the XM satellite.

http://www.xmwxweather.com/marine/

[Gys]

Never knew of XM weather. But the reception is only in US & Canada so I guess only interesting for coastal areas ? Nevertheless, I wonder where they get their lightning data. Which is US-only according to the website.