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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US Flag Code: Complete Guide to Rules, Etiquette, and Proper Display

US Flag Code: Complete Guide to Rules, Etiquette, and Proper Display

The American flag is one of the most recognized symbols in the world, and the rules governing its display are among the most detailed of ...

Cruising Guide for Lake Huron: What Boaters Need to Know

Cruising Guide for Lake Huron: What Boaters Need to Know

Lake Huron demands the same preparation given to any serious offshore passage. As the second-largest of the Great Lakes and the third-lar...

U.S. Carriage Requirements for Nautical Charts & Publications on Board Ships

U.S. Carriage Requirements for Nautical Charts & Publications on Board Ships

U.S. vessels operating in navigable waters must carry approved nautical charts and publications under federal law.  The regulatory landsc...

SPICA Gateway Explained: Secure Navigation Data Delivery for Modern Vessels

SPICA Gateway Explained: Secure Navigation Data Delivery for Modern Vessels

Updating an ECDIS should not involve a crew member carrying a USB stick from the ship's office computer to the bridge. Yet across the glo...

Cruising Guide for New York's East River

Cruising Guide for New York's East River

New York City's East River connects Long Island Sound to New York Harbor, offering recreational vessels a protected route between these m...