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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76–80 of articles
Magnetic Variation vs Deviation: What Every Navigator Must Know

Magnetic Variation vs Deviation: What Every Navigator Must Know

A magnetic compass does not point to true north. Two separate errors, variation and deviation, pull the compass needle away from the dire...

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What Is GMDSS? Full Breakdown of the Maritime Distress and Safety System

What Is GMDSS? Full Breakdown of the Maritime Distress and Safety System

Before GMDSS existed, a vessel in distress had to rely on a nearby ship monitoring the same radio frequency at the right moment. The Glob...

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How to Navigate Fog at Sea: Safety Tips and Procedures

How to Navigate Fog at Sea: Safety Tips and Procedures

Fog can reduce visibility from miles to meters in a matter of minutes. Unlike a storm, which announces itself with wind and waves, fog ar...

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UNCLOS: The Law of the Sea Convention Explained

UNCLOS: The Law of the Sea Convention Explained

Every maritime zone on a nautical chart, from territorial waters to the high seas, exists because of a single international treaty. The U...

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What Is AIS and How Does It Work? A Guide

What Is AIS and How Does It Work? A Complete Guide

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is one of the most important pieces of navigation equipment aboard any commercial vessel. AIS b...

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