Charles Hays
Written by

Charles Hays

Author / Contributor

Charles Hays is the Sales & Marketing Manager at American Nautical Services, where he has spent nearly 17 years helping captains and chief officers of 500 GT+ yachts keep their ECDIS systems and digital chart libraries current, secure, and Flag State inspection-ready. Certified in ECDIS and holding an MBA from Florida State University, he also oversees the companys ISO 9001 Quality Management System, giving him a front-row view of what inspectors look for and where vessels fall short. Through his work at American Nautical Services and his weekly newsletter Bridge Watch, Charles covers chart compliance, Flag State requirements, and the regulatory updates that matter most to working maritime professionals.

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New Maritime Cybersecurity Requirements: What U.S. Vessel Owners Actually Need to Know

New Maritime Cybersecurity Requirements: What U.S. Vessel Owners Actually Need to Know

Vessel navigation systems have crashed mid-voyage due to ransomware attacks. Not mechanical failures. Deliberate cyber intrusions. Captai...

Must-Have Training Books for Maritime Professionals

Must-Have Training Books for Maritime Professionals

Experienced captains understand the value of maintaining comprehensive vessel libraries. Reference materials tend to disappear precisely ...

Understanding Steering Gear in Ships: An Overview

Understanding Steering Gear in Ships: An Overview

Safe navigation depends on reliable steering. A vessel's steering gear is the system responsible for turning the rudder, allowing captain...

Different Parts of a Ship Explained with Functions

Different Parts of a Ship Explained with Functions

With over 109,000 vessels in the global commercial fleet, each weighing at least 100 gross tons, knowing your way around a ship is essent...

ECDIS Compliance Requirements: Complete Guide to Electronic Chart Regulations

ECDIS Compliance Requirements: Complete Guide to Electronic Chart Regulations

Understanding ECDIS compliance requirements has become critical for maritime operators. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO...