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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36–40 of articles
Port State Control vs Flag State: What's the Difference?

Port State Control vs Flag State: What's the Difference?

Two systems work together to keep commercial shipping safe and compliant, but they operate from different positions of authority. The fla...

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Ships' Routeing, 2025 Edition: What's New and Why It Matters

Ships' Routeing, 2025 Edition: What's New and Why It Matters

Traffic separation schemes, deep-water routes, and areas to be avoided do not appear on a nautical chart by accident. Every one of these ...

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Flag of Uzbekistan: Meaning, History, Colors and Symbolism Explained

Flag of Uzbekistan: Meaning, History, Colors and Symbolism Explained

When Uzbekistan declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, one of the first acts of the new republic was to adopt a national fl...

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Title 49 CFR Explained for Shipping and Transportation

Title 49 CFR Explained for Shipping and Transportation

Anyone who ships, carries, or handles hazardous materials in the United States operates under one set of rules: Title 49 of the Code of F...

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Fire Safety Inspections Checklist for Ships

Fire Safety Inspections Checklist for Ships

Fire is one of the most dangerous emergencies aboard a vessel. A fire that goes undetected or uncontrolled can destroy a ship faster than...

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