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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What Is Dry Docking? A Complete Guide

What Is Dry Docking? A Complete Guide

At some point, every vessel needs work done on the parts that spend their entire life underwater. The hull, the propeller, the rudder, th...

What Is a Port of Entry? Port of Entry Meaning Explained

What Is a Port of Entry? Port of Entry Meaning Explained

Every item of cargo arriving on a vessel and every seafarer stepping ashore must pass through a single checkpoint before legally entering...

How to Properly Wear a Life Jacket: Step-by-Step Guide for Mariners

How to Properly Wear a Life Jacket: Step-by-Step Guide for Mariners

A life jacket stowed in a locker cannot save anyone. According to the U.S. Coast Guard's 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics, 87% of dro...