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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SOLAS 2024 Amendment Summary: Key Changes Every Ship Officer Must Know

SOLAS 2024 Amendment Summary: Key Changes Every Ship Officer Must Know

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) introduced significant amendments on January 1, 2024, marking the most...

2025 Maritime Regulation Updates: What Changes This Year

2025 Maritime Regulation Updates: What Changes This Year

Navigating the regulatory landscape in 2025 requires careful attention to multiple enforcement dates across environmental, safety, and ca...

Where to Buy Authentic Nautical Charts: Authorized Dealer Guide

Where to Buy Authentic Nautical Charts: Authorized Dealer Guide

Purchasing nautical charts from unauthorized sources compromises vessel safety and regulatory compliance. Whether you need charts for com...

International Maritime Signal Flags: Quick Reference for Bridge Officers

International Maritime Signal Flags: Quick Reference for Bridge Officers

Radio failures, emergency situations, and port communications often require bridge officers to communicate visually using the Internation...