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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Alaska State Flag: History, Symbols, and Maritime Significance

Alaska State Flag: History, Symbols, and Maritime Significance

The Alaska state flag is among the most recognized and highly rated state flags in the United States. Adopted in 1927, more than three de...

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How to Read Tide Tables: A Practical Guide for Mariners

How to Read Tide Tables: A Practical Guide for Mariners

Tide tables provide predicted times and heights of high and low water for specific locations, and knowing how to read them correctly is a...

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South Carolina State Flag: History and Maritime Significance

South Carolina State Flag: History and Maritime Significance

The South Carolina state flag, with its white palmetto tree and crescent on an indigo blue field, carries one of the strongest connection...

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What Is MARPOL? The Ship Pollution Prevention Convention Explained

What Is MARPOL? The Ship Pollution Prevention Convention Explained

MARPOL is the primary international treaty governing how vessels prevent and manage pollution at sea. Adopted by the International Mariti...

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Cruising Guide for Lake Michigan: Ports, Routes, and Boating Tips

Cruising Guide for Lake Michigan: Ports, Routes, and Boating Tips

Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and the only one located entirely within the United States. Stretch...

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