The Mariner's Blog

Beyond the Classroom: ECDIS Training Reimagined for the Modern Mariner
  • Mar 13, 2024
  • Charles Hays
Beyond the Classroom: ECDIS Training Reimagined for the Modern Mariner

Discover how American Nautical Services, Inc. is redefining maritime education with our cutting-edge ECDIS e-Learning courses. Breaking away from t...

SPICA e-Navigator: e-Navigation Made Simple
  • May 5, 2023
  • Charles Hays
SPICA e-Navigator: e-Navigation Made Simple

SPICA e-Navigator is an ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) passage planning software that helps navigators plan a safe and ef...

Summary of Changes to IMDG Code 40-20 Edition
  • Dec 17, 2020
  • Charles Hays
Summary of Changes to IMDG Code 40-20 Edition

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code contains regulations for transporting many hazardous materials. Familiarize yourself with th...

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...

How to Optimize Your Route Using Weather Routing Optimization Technology in SPICA
  • Oct 21, 2020
  • Charles Hays
How to Optimize Your Route Using Weather Routing Optimization Technology in SPICA

The goal of IMO 2020 is to reduce emissions  to improve the marine air quality and to protect human health. What our latest weather routing optimiz...

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. ...

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...

USCG: Commandant Change Notice On Use of Electronic Charts and Publications in Lieu of Paper Charts, Maps and Publications
  • Jun 23, 2020
  • Charles Hays
USCG: Commandant Change Notice On Use of Electronic Charts and Publications in Lieu of Paper Charts, Maps and Publications

  Mariners rely on nautical publications for a successful voyage. Recommendations from the Navigation Safety Advisory Council have seen the Coast...