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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History of Navigation at Sea

History of Navigation at Sea: From Stars to Modern Equipment

For as long as humans have ventured onto the water, we have faced the same fundamental challenge: how to find our way. The history of nav...

How to Read Nautical Charts

How to Read Nautical Charts: A Beginner’s Guide to Safe Marine Navigation

Setting out on the open water is an adventure, but for every mariner, from a weekend sailor to the captain of a supertanker, that adventu...

A Complete Guide to the 9 IMDG Classes of Dangerous Goods

A Complete Guide to the 9 IMDG Classes of Dangerous Goods

When you're responsible for a vessel at sea, nothing is more important than the safety of your crew and the compliance of your operations...

What Does IMDG Mean

What Does IMDG Mean? IMDG code Classes, and Compliance Guide

For anyone managing or operating vessels that transport goods by sea, ensuring safety and maintaining compliance are top priorities. When...

ECDIS Alarm Settings: How to Stay Compliant and Safe

ECDIS Alarm Settings: How to Stay Compliant and Safe

Learn how to set ECDIS alarms for safe, compliant navigation. Covers Safety Depth, Safety Contour, XTD, CPA/TCPA, IMO requirements, best ...