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.

31–35 of articles
Understanding Your Marine Electrical System: Components, Wiring, and Safety Tips

Understanding Your Marine Electrical System: Components, Wiring, and Safety Tips

A well-functioning marine electrical system is as critical as a sound hull. Whether running navigation lights on a night passage or keepi...

Why the Ohio State Flag Has a Unique Shape: History and Meaning Explained

Why the Ohio State Flag Has a Unique Shape: History and Meaning Explained

Ohio stands alone among all fifty states for one simple reason: its flag is not a rectangle. While every other state flies a standard fou...

Waypoint Navigation Guide: How to Use GPS for Safe and Accurate Boating

Waypoint Navigation Guide: How to Use GPS for Safe and Accurate Boating

Safe navigation starts with knowing exactly where the vessel is and where it is going. A GPS navigation system provides that precision, a...

Nautical Chart Symbols Explained: A Mariner's Field Guide

Nautical Chart Symbols Explained: A Mariner's Field Guide

A nautical chart is only as useful as the navigator reading it. Whether piloting a commercial vessel under SOLAS carriage requirements or...

How Does an Aneroid Barometer Work?

How Does an Aneroid Barometer Work?

Every vessel operating offshore depends on accurate weather assessment to protect crew, cargo, and the ship itself. Long before satellite...