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.

106–110 of articles
American Flag Rules for Flying on Vessels

American Flag Display Rules When Flying Multiple Flags on Vessels

Operating a vessel flying multiple flags requires understanding the proper display of the American flag alongside other ensigns. Accordin...

What is the IAMSAR Manual

What is the IAMSAR Manual and Its Primary Purpose?

When a distress call goes out at sea, the response needs to be immediate, coordinated, and effective. The IAMSAR Manual (International Ae...

Best Marine Navigation Software

The Best Marine Navigation Software for Vessels and Yachts

Professional maritime operations demand reliable, compliant navigation software that meets regulatory requirements while improving operat...

IMDG Code Amendment 42-24

IMDG Code Amendment 42-24: What Changed for Maritime Dangerous Goods Transport

Amendment 42-24 of the IMDG Code goes live January 1, 2025 (optional) and becomes mandatory January 1, 2026. You've got one year to get y...

15 Types of Navigation Equipment Used on Modern Ships

15 Types of Navigation Equipment Used on Modern Ships

The bridge of a modern ship is a sophisticated, integrated nerve center. The days of relying solely on a sextant and paper chart are long...