The Mariner's Blog

U.S. Carriage Requirements for Nautical Charts & Publications on Board Ships
  • Mar 5, 2026
  • Charles Hays
U.S. Carriage Requirements for Nautical Charts & Publications on Board Ships

U.S. vessels operating in navigable waters must carry approved nautical charts and publications under federal law.  The regulatory landscape has sh...

SPICA Gateway Explained: Secure Navigation Data Delivery for Modern Vessels
  • Mar 3, 2026
  • Charles Hays
SPICA Gateway Explained: Secure Navigation Data Delivery for Modern Vessels

Updating an ECDIS should not involve a crew member carrying a USB stick from the ship's office computer to the bridge. Yet across the global commer...

Cruising Guide for New York's East River
  • Feb 20, 2026
  • Charles Hays
Cruising Guide for New York's East River

New York City's East River connects Long Island Sound to New York Harbor, offering recreational vessels a protected route between these major cruis...

Navigating the Dismal Swamp Canal: Full Guide
  • Feb 20, 2026
  • Charles Hays
Navigating the Dismal Swamp Canal: Full Guide

The Dismal Swamp Canal offers one of two routes connecting the Chesapeake Bay to Albemarle Sound along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Running ...

American Nautical Chart Selector: Complete Guide to Features, Benefits, and How to Use It
  • Feb 19, 2026
  • Charles Hays
American Nautical Chart Selector: Complete Guide to Features, Benefits, and How to Use It

Chart folio management is one of the most time-consuming parts of passage planning. During the appraisal stage alone, a navigation officer may need...

Tips for Navigating the Erie Canal and New York State Canal System
  • Feb 19, 2026
  • Charles Hays
Tips for Navigating the Erie Canal and New York State Canal System

The Erie Canal remains one of America's most historic and scenic waterways, offering boaters a unique passage across New York State. Stretching 363...

10 Norwegian Sea Facts You Should Know
  • Feb 18, 2026
  • Charles Hays
10 Norwegian Sea Facts You Should Know

The Norwegian Sea occupies a strategically important position in the North Atlantic, serving as a transitional zone between temperate and Arctic wa...

Different Types of Sailboats
  • Feb 16, 2026
  • Charles Hays
Different Types of Sailboats: Full Guide

Sailboats come in dozens of configurations, each designed for specific purposes and sailing conditions. Whether selecting a vessel for coastal crui...

Suez Canal
  • Feb 14, 2026
  • Charles Hays
Suez Canal: History, Map, Importance, Length & Facts

The Suez Canal stands as one of the most significant waterways in global maritime trade. Connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the canal...

Windward and Leeward Sides of a Vessel
  • Feb 13, 2026
  • Charles Hays
Windward and Leeward Sides of a Vessel: Complete Explanation

Wind direction affects every aspect of maritime operations, from vessel handling to crew safety. Two fundamental terms every mariner must understan...

10 Major Facts About the Celtic Sea
  • Feb 13, 2026
  • Charles Hays
10 Major Facts About the Celtic Sea

The Celtic Sea occupies a strategic position in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, serving as a vital waterway for vessels traveling between northern...

The Unique Geography of the Bahamas and Its Key Challenges
  • Feb 12, 2026
  • Charles Hays
The Unique Geography of the Bahamas and Its Key Challenges

The Bahamas presents one of the most distinctive cruising environments in the Western Atlantic. Spanning over 100,000 square miles of ocean, the ar...