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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The History of Lighthouses in the United States

The History of Lighthouses in the United States

For more than 300 years, lighthouses have guided vessels along the American coastline, through narrow harbor approaches, and past dangero...

COLREGS: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

COLREGS: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

On the open ocean, there are no traffic lights, lane markings, or stop signs. Two vessels approaching each other in a busy shipping lane ...

Maryland State Flag: History, Colors, and What It Represents

Maryland State Flag: History, Colors, and What It Represents

The Maryland state flag is one of the most visually distinctive state flags in the United States. With its quartered design of gold and b...

Essential Knots Every Boater Should Know: A Practical Guide

Essential Knots Every Boater Should Know: A Practical Guide

Reliable knot-tying is one of the most fundamental skills in seamanship. A properly tied knot holds under load, releases when needed, and...

COLREGs: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

COLREGs: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, universally known as COLREGs, are the rules of the road governing vessel ...