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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Beginner's Guide to Navigating a Boat

Beginner's Guide to Navigating a Boat

Navigating a boat is nothing like driving a car. On the water, there are no road signs, no lane markings, and no pavement to follow. Fog,...

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Why Does the Ocean Appear in Different Colors Around the World?

Why Does the Ocean Appear in Different Colors Around the World?

Anyone who has traveled by sea or along a coastline has noticed that the ocean does not look the same everywhere. Open Atlantic waters of...

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What Is A Nautical Chart? Everything You Need to Know

What Is A Nautical Chart? Everything You Need to Know

A nautical chart is the single most important document aboard any vessel. Unlike a road map, which shows highways and intersections, a na...

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The Complete Marine Binoculars Guide for Boaters and Sailors

The Complete Marine Binoculars Guide for Boaters and Sailors

A good pair of marine binoculars is one of the most practical tools aboard any vessel. Whether identifying a distant buoy in haze, readin...

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What Is Nautical Freeboard? A Guide

What Is Nautical Freeboard? A Guide

Every vessel floating on water has a measurement that directly indicates how safe that vessel is in its current loaded condition. Freeboa...

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