The Mariner's Blog

The Marine Sextant — Principles, Use, and Buying Guide
  • Oct 14, 2022
  • Charles Hays
The Marine Sextant — Principles, Use, and Buying Guide

If you're looking for sextants for sale, you may be familiar with this vital piece of marine equipment or be looking to learn more. This post discu...

Steiner Binoculars: Marine Binoculars Made Well
  • Oct 12, 2022
  • Charles Hays
Steiner Binoculars: Marine Binoculars Made Well

Wondering where to buy Steiner binoculars? These 7x50 binoculars are durable and tough, built especially for marine use. Find out more about the be...

UKHO Announces Plans to Withdraw from Paper Chart Production
  • Aug 15, 2022
  • Charles Hays
UKHO Announces Plans to Withdraw from Paper Chart Production

UKHO Withdrawing From Paper Chart Production: What it Means for Mariners The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has announced that it intends to withd...

Flags of the Caribbean and their significance
  • Jul 8, 2022
  • Charles Hays
Flags of the Caribbean and their significance

The 29 nations and territories of the Caribbean have some colorful and unique flags. The flags of the Caribbean are great to collect for those who ...

CMOR Mapping Charts
  • Jul 8, 2022
  • Charles Hays
CMOR Mapping Charts available at American Nautical

Imagine being able to see things like artificial reefs and shipwrecks beneath the waters, almost as if you had X-ray goggles? Think how much easier...

How to Update TIMEZERO Charts
  • Apr 20, 2022
  • Charles Hays
How to Update TIMEZERO Charts

Learn here on how to update TIMEZERO Charts in either TIMEZEO Professional or TIMEZERO Navigator. TIMEZERO charts, also know as MapMedia Charts (MM...

ADMIRALTY Gateway is retiring: Here's what you need to know
  • Jan 7, 2021
  • Charles Hays
ADMIRALTY Gateway is retiring: Here's what you need to know

The Announcement  As mentioned in previous announcements, The UKHO has decided to permanently withdraw all versions of their ADMIRALTY Gateway and...

Summary of Changes to IMDG Code 40-20 Edition
  • Dec 17, 2020
  • Charles Hays
Summary of Changes to IMDG Code 40-20 Edition

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code contains regulations for transporting many hazardous materials. Familiarize yourself with th...

What is an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)?
  • Dec 6, 2020
  • Charles Hays
What is an Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)?

The rise of ECDIS has changed the world of sailing forever. However, these systems are only hardware. They rely on quality Electronic Navigational ...

Main Principles of the Passage Planning Process to Know
  • Nov 16, 2020
  • Charles Hays
Main Principles of the Passage Planning Process to Know

A good passage plan is the key to safe and successful voyages. Before sailing, mariners need to understand the underlying principles of the passage...

How to Create a Passage Plan Report in SPICA
  • Nov 6, 2020
  • Charles Hays
How to Create a Passage Plan Report in SPICA

The passage planning process can be long, complicated, and very tedious work for the ship's navigator. Learn the step by step process on how to cre...

What is an ECDIS? All About the Electronic Chart Display and Information System
  • Nov 5, 2020
  • Charles Hays
What is an ECDIS? All About the Electronic Chart Display and Information System

Ships implementing the Electronic Chart Display and Information System has revolutionized e-navigation. If you're new to the maritime industry, you...