NAVTEX, an acronym for navigational telex (navigational text messages) is a device used on-board
the vessels to provide short range Maritime Safety Information in coastal waters automatically.
It can be used in ships of all types and sizes. The area covered by Navtex can extend as far as 400
nautical miles from the broadcast station. A NAVTEX receiver onboard prints out navigational and
meteorological warnings and forecasts as well as urgent Marine Safety Information to ships.
The Navtex works on a frequency of 518 kHz in the medium frequency band. 490 kHz frequency is
also used by some countries for broadcasts in the national languages, also known as national
navtex.
Where medium frequency reception is difficult, transmissions are made on 4209.5 kHz. The default
setting in a Navtex is 518 kHz. The entire world is divided into 21 areas known as NAVAREAS
(including 5 areas recently introduced for the Arctic region) for the purpose of distributing this
information.
Each Navarea has multiple navtex stations which further helps in transmitting the messages.
If a ship’s position data is fed from any navigating equipment like GPS, the Navtex will
automatically decide in which NAVAREA the ship is navigating presently and thus select the
appropriate Navtex Stations.
In the manual mode, the navigating officer can select what stations he/she wishes to receive.
The navtex receiver can be set to ignore certain types of messages, however, messages A,B,D and
L because of their importance cannot be rejected by navigating officers.
Audible alarms can also be generated when message type A,B,D or L is received. It should only be
possible to reset this alarm manually.
We should also note that when programming the type of messages to receive, it is wise to ensure
that only those which are required and necessary are programmed for the reception.
Navtex is a form of extra insurance and aid in the peace of mind. It is a very convenient way of
monitoring navigational warnings, meteorological warnings, search and rescue information and
other data for ships sailing within 200 to 400 nautical miles off the coast. It thus provides pertinent
navigational and weather-related information in real-time.
As Navtex receiver receives messages automatically it is quite a user friendly. An officer of the
watch does not have to monitor it regularly or be physically present at a fixed time.
NAVTEX RECEIVER CHECKLIST
1. Every officer should make sure that there are sufficient rolls of Navtex paper available
onboard at all times.
2. It is important to check that there is paper in the receiver so that one does not miss out
any important messages.
3. It is advisable to leave the Navtex ON at all times to avoid the chance of losing vital
information that might affect the vessel during its voyage.
4. Make sure that the operating manual is available on the bridge.
5. A plastic copy of the NAVAREAs/METAREAs in which the vessel is likely to sail, showing the
Navtex stations, their coverage ranges and their respective time schedules should be made
available next to the equipment.
6. A handy guide for programming, status and auto testing procedures can be made and kept
with the equipment.
7. Routine tests should be carried out to check the performance of the equipment.
8. Extra care should be taken not to confuse the programming of B1 characters (station
designators) with those of B2 characters (type of messages).
