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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Understanding the Different Types of Ships

Understanding the Different Types of Ships

Maritime commerce operates on specialized vessels designed for specific purposes. Ships aren't designed randomly. Every hull shape, every...

How is Power Generated and Distributed on a Ship?

How is Power Generated and Distributed on a Ship?

Every vessel operating at sea functions as its own self-contained power station. From bridge navigation equipment to propulsion machinery...

Types of Bow Designs Used For Ships: What Actually Makes a Difference

Types of Bow Designs Used For Ships: What Actually Makes a Difference

Observing vessels at the dock reveals significant differences in bow configurations. Two ships on the same route, similar size, yet compl...

What Is a Nautical Sextant and How to Use It for Navigation

What Is a Nautical Sextant and How to Use It for Navigation

A sextant is one of the most elegant and reliable navigation instruments ever created. For centuries, mariners have used sextants to dete...

ISPS Code Compliance Checklist: Security Requirements for Ports and Ships

ISPS Code Compliance Checklist: Security Requirements for Ports and Ships

What Is the ISPS Code? The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code entered into force on July 1, 2004, under SOLAS Chap...