The Mariner's Blog

Ensuring Compliance: Preparing Vessels for Bridge Audit with SOLAS Nautical Charts and Publication Carriage Requirements
  • Nov 22, 2023
  • Charles Hays
Ensuring Compliance: Preparing Vessels for Bridge Audit with SOLAS Nautical Charts and Publication Carriage Requirements

American Nautical Services, Inc. is at the forefront of assisting large yachts and other vessels in successfully navigating the complexities of ann...

Embracing Efficiency: 5 Compelling Reasons to Switch from Traditional Paper Log Books to MARPOL Electronic Record Books
  • Aug 21, 2023
  • Charles Hays
Embracing Efficiency: 5 Compelling Reasons to Switch from Traditional Paper Log Books to MARPOL Electronic Record Books

Amid maritime evolution, MARPOL Electronic Record Books (ERBs) shine as beacons of progress. Explore our concise guide highlighting five compelling...

Time to switch from paper charts to electronic navigational charts?
  • Apr 15, 2023
  • Charles Hays
Time to switch from paper charts to electronic navigational charts?

Is it time to switch from paper charts to electronic navigational charts?  Here are a few good reasons why you should consider dumping your paper ...

IMDG Code
  • Mar 10, 2023
  • Charles Hays
Summary of Changes to IMDG Code Amendment 41-22 Edition

The newest IMDG Code 41-22 Edition has been released in print form and contains several small changes and a new chapter. Find out more with our bri...

What is an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)?
  • Dec 6, 2020
  • Charles Hays
What is an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)?

The rise of ECDIS has changed the world of sailing forever. However, these systems are only hardware. They rely on quality Electronic Navigational ...

Main Principles of the Passage Planning Process to Know
  • Nov 16, 2020
  • Charles Hays
Main Principles of the Passage Planning Process to Know

A good passage plan is the key to safe and successful voyages. Before sailing, mariners need to understand the underlying principles of the passage...

How to Create a Passage Plan Report in SPICA
  • Nov 6, 2020
  • Charles Hays
How to Create a Passage Plan Report in SPICA

The passage planning process can be long, complicated, and very tedious work for the ship's navigator. Learn the step by step process on how to cre...

What is an ECDIS? All About the Electronic Chart Display and Information System
  • Nov 5, 2020
  • Charles Hays
What is an ECDIS? All About the Electronic Chart Display and Information System

Ships implementing the Electronic Chart Display and Information System has revolutionized e-navigation. If you're new to the maritime industry, you...

How to Order, Download, and Update ADMIRALTY e-Nautical Publications (AENP) in SPICA
  • Oct 27, 2020
  • Charles Hays
How to Order, Download, and Update ADMIRALTY e-Nautical Publications (AENP) in SPICA

Mariners sailing on SOLAS class vessels are required by IMO and flag state authorities to carry all necessary nautical publication...

ECDIS: The Good and Bad of Paperless Navigation of Ships
  • Oct 8, 2020
  • Charles Hays
ECDIS: The Good and Bad of Paperless Navigation of Ships

  Despite the information and technological revolution of the 20th century changing so many things, oceanic navigation stayed remarkably similar. ...

Carriage Requirements for Nautical Charts & Publications According to the Bahamas Maritime Authority (Bahamas Flag State)
  • Sep 22, 2020
  • Charles Hays
Carriage Requirements for Nautical Charts & Publications According to the Bahamas Maritime Authority (Bahamas Flag State)

Through its Maritime Authority, the Bahamas Flag State released information bulletin No. 51 that outlines the criteria to be followed by SOLAS vess...

Safeguarding the Shipping Industry from Current and Emerging Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities
  • Aug 24, 2020
  • Charles Hays
Safeguarding the Shipping Industry from Current and Emerging Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities

IMO has adopted a resolution MSC 428(98) that encourages all stakeholders in the shipping industry to be vigilant about cyber security. By Januar...