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.

16–20 of articles
How to Read Marine Weather Forecasts: A Mariner's Guide

How to Read Marine Weather Forecasts: A Mariner's Guide

Marine weather forecasts provide the essential data behind every go or no-go decision at sea. Whether the passage involves a coastal tran...

Types of Ship Propulsion Systems: Complete Overview

Types of Ship Propulsion Systems: Complete Overview

Every vessel afloat depends on a propulsion system to convert energy into forward motion. The type of propulsion a ship uses affects its ...

What Is Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) and How Is It Calculated?

What Is Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) and How Is It Calculated?

Deadweight tonnage is one of the most commonly referenced measurements in commercial shipping, yet it is frequently confused with other t...

Navigating Puget Sound: Essential Tips for Boaters

Navigating Puget Sound: Essential Tips for Boaters

Puget Sound is one of the most rewarding cruising grounds on the U.S. Pacific coast, offering sheltered waters, dramatic scenery, and acc...

What You Need to Know About Low-Sulfur Fuel Requirements: IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap

What You Need to Know About Low-Sulfur Fuel Requirements: IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap

On January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) enforced a global sulfur cap that reduced the maximum allowable sulfur ...