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 a Marine Navigation Kit and What Does It Include?

What Is a Marine Navigation Kit and What Does It Include?

Even on a vessel equipped with ECDIS, GPS, and AIS, there are situations where the only thing standing between a safe fix and a lost posi...

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What Is Maritime Law and Why Does It Matter?

What Is Maritime Law and Why Does It Matter?

Every commercial vessel afloat operates within a legal framework that is older than most nations. Maritime law, also known as admiralty l...

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Step-by-Step Guide to Dead Reckoning Navigation

Step-by-Step Guide to Dead Reckoning Navigation

When GPS goes down, radar fails, or the sky is too overcast for a celestial fix, a navigator still needs to know where the vessel is. Dea...

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Types of Life-Saving Appliances Required on Ships

Types of Life-Saving Appliances Required on Ships

When a vessel must be abandoned, the equipment that keeps the crew and passengers alive is collectively called life-saving appliances. SO...

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How Do Life Jackets Work? Everything You Need to Know

How Do Life Jackets Work? Everything You Need to Know

A life jacket does one thing: it keeps a person's head above water when they cannot do it themselves. Whether the wearer is conscious and...

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