NAVTEX

Introduction
The NAVTEX system is used for the automatic broadcast of localised Maritime Safety
Information (MSI) using Radio Telex (also known as Narrow Band Direct Printing,
or
NBDP).
The system mainly operates in the Medium Frequency radio band just above and
below the old 500 kHz Morse Distress frequency. System range is generally 300 or
so
nautical
miles
from
the
transmitter.
The NAVTEX system is designed to be used in GMDSS Sea Area A2, and is utilised
mainly by those countries with relatively small areas of coastline and/or sea areas to
cover.
Major areas of NAVTEX coverage include the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea,
coastal areas around Japan and areas around the North American continent.
Frequency
The

NAVTEX

518
490

of
system

kHz kHz -

used

uses

the
for

operation
three

main

broadcasts

in

local

broadcast

frequencies:

NAVTEX

channel

languages

(ie:

non-English)

4209.5 kHz - allocated for NAVTEX broadcasts in tropical areas - not widely used
at
the
moment.
All broadcasts from stations within the same NAVAREA must be coordinated on a
time
sharing
basis
to
eliminate
interference.
In addition, power outputs from each station are adjusted to control the range of
each broadcast. This is particularly important during night-time hours, as Medium
Frequencies always travel further after dark.
NAVTEX

message

NAVTEX messages are transmitted using the following format:

format

In

which

ZCZC

defines

the

end

of

the

phasing

period,

the B1 character is a letter (A-Z) identifying the transmitter coverage area,

the

B2

character

is

letter

(A-Z)

for

each

type

of

message.

B3B4 is a two-character serial number for each message, starting with 01 except in
special
cases
where
the
serial
number
00
is
used.
The transmitter identification character (B1) is a single letter allocated to each
NAVTEX shore station transmitter. NAVTEX receivers allow the operator to accept
or reject messages from any station, based on this single letter code.
The subject indicator character (B2) is also single letter code which serves to identify
the message subject. NAVTEX receivers also allow the operator to reject certain
messages based on the subject indicator character. However, messages concerning
Navigational Warnings, Meteorological Warnings, and Search And Rescue
information
can
not
be
rejected.
Subject indicator characters assigned to the NAVTEX system are as follows:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

Search

Pilot
-

Navigational
Meteorological
Ice
and
rescue
Meteorological
service
Decca

warnings
warnings
reports
information
forecasts
messages
messages

H
Loran
messages
I
Omega
messages
J
Satnav
messages
K
Other
electronic
navaid
messages
L
Additional
navigational
messages
V
Special
services
W
Special
services
(possible
other
languages
use)
X
Special
services
YSpecial
services
Z - No message on hand (QRU)
Shipboard

NAVTEX

equipment

A NAVTEX receiver is normally a compact unit, with an integrated display and

keyboard.
Once programmed with appropriate station codes and subject indicator characters,
the unit is left unattended - messages are received automatically.

NAVTEX receiver and antenna.

GMDSS is for everyone, not just merchant ships.....let's see why.