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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Tropical Depression vs. Tropical Storm vs. Hurricane: What Mariners Need to Know

Tropical Depression vs. Tropical Storm vs. Hurricane: What Mariners Need to Know

Every vessel operating in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, or Caribbean during hurricane season must account for tropical weather systems in...

Correct Military Flags Order of Display: Best Practices to Follow

Correct Military Flags Order of Display: Best Practices to Follow

Displaying military flags incorrectly is more than a visual error. At naval installations, maritime facilities, and aboard government ves...

Anchoring, Docking, and Mooring: Essential Knowledge for Every Mariner

Anchoring, Docking, and Mooring: Essential Knowledge for Every Mariner

Knowing how to secure a vessel is one of the most fundamental skills in seamanship. Yet the terms anchoring, docking, and mooring are rou...

Tips for Navigating the Gulf Stream: Maps, Locations, and Key Facts

Tips for Navigating the Gulf Stream: Maps, Locations, and Key Facts

The Gulf Stream is one of the most powerful ocean currents on Earth, and for mariners departing South Florida toward the Bahamas or Carib...

Digital Transformation in the Shipping Industry: What Maritime Leaders Need to Know

Digital Transformation in the Shipping Industry: What Maritime Leaders Need to Know

The shipping industry is undergoing one of its most significant structural shifts in decades. Digital technologies are redefining how ves...