Navigational Telex (NAVTEX)

A maritime communication system used for the automatic broadcast of navigational and meteorological warnings, forecasts, and urgent safety information to ships.

Navtex, short for “Navigational Telex,” is integral to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). It operates on medium frequencies (518 kHz internationally for English messages and 490 kHz for local language broadcasts) and provides ships with vital safety information in text format. Navtex receivers onboard vessels automatically decode and display these messages, ensuring that mariners receive critical updates without requiring manual tuning or constant monitoring. The system is designed to deliver information such as navigational hazards, weather warnings, search and rescue updates, and other urgent notices relevant to maritime safety. 

Navtex is particularly valued for its simplicity and reliability. Messages are broadcast at scheduled intervals, typically covering 200–400 nautical miles, depending on transmission conditions. Each coastal station has a unique identification code, allowing mariners to select which stations’ broadcasts they wish to receive based on their location and voyage plan. This selective reception prevents information overload and only displays relevant messages. Unlike voice-based systems, Navtex messages are not subject to misinterpretation due to accents or poor audio quality, making it a highly effective tool for international maritime communication. Its role in enhancing safety at sea is indispensable, particularly for vessels operating in coastal and offshore waters.