The Mariner's Blog

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 ...

SEALL ECDIS: A Smart ECDIS That Simply Works
  • Mar 23, 2023
  • Charles Hays
SEALL ECDIS: A Smart ECDIS That Simply Works

Although adoption was initially slow, electronic navigation charts are taking over traditional paper chart navigation for a majority of SOLAS clas...

SPICA e-Navigator: Easy solution for how to update ENCs in ECDIS
  • Mar 19, 2023
  • Charles Hays
SPICA e-Navigator: Easy solution for how to update ENCs in ECDIS

This blog article covers the process on how to update ENCs in ECDIS by using our voyage planning software SPICA e-Navigator. Read on to see how eas...

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...

Understanding How to Navigate the Intracoastal Waterway
  • Mar 6, 2023
  • Charles Hays
Understanding How to Navigate the Intracoastal Waterway

  The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is a shipping route in the United States that was completed on June 18, 1949, and runs for 3,000 miles along ...

Guide for Buying Nautical Flash Cards
  • Mar 3, 2023
  • Charles Hays
Guide for Buying Nautical Flash Cards

Studying for nautical exams from the United States Coast Guard can be challenging. You need to know a variety of information if you want to pass t...

Ships Clocks, Ships Bell Clocks, Tide Clocks and Their Uses
  • Mar 3, 2023
  • Charles Hays
Ships Clocks, Ships Bell Clocks, Tide Clocks and Their Uses

Ships clocks and tide clocks are two of maritime history's most iconic timekeeping devices. They were initially designed to keep ships on course b...

What is a magnetic compass and how does it work?
  • Oct 24, 2022
  • Charles Hays
What is a magnetic compass and how does it work?

What is a magnetic compass and how does it work? The Basic Concepts of All Magnetic Compasses Using a magnetic compass connects you with the world...

The Marine Sextant — Principles, Use, and Buying Guide
  • Oct 14, 2022
  • Charles Hays
The Marine Sextant — Principles, Use, and Buying Guide

If you're looking for sextants for sale, you may be familiar with this vital piece of marine equipment or be looking to learn more. This post discu...

Steiner Binoculars: Marine Binoculars Made Well
  • Oct 12, 2022
  • Charles Hays
Steiner Binoculars: Marine Binoculars Made Well

Wondering where to buy Steiner binoculars? These 7x50 binoculars are durable and tough, built especially for marine use. Find out more about the be...

UKHO Announces Plans to Withdraw from Paper Chart Production
  • Aug 15, 2022
  • Charles Hays
UKHO Announces Plans to Withdraw from Paper Chart Production

UKHO Withdrawing From Paper Chart Production: What it Means for Mariners The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has announced that it intends to withd...

Flags of the Caribbean and their significance
  • Jul 8, 2022
  • Charles Hays
Flags of the Caribbean and their significance

The 29 nations and territories of the Caribbean have some colorful and unique flags. The flags of the Caribbean are great to collect for those who ...