NAVTEX Manual

NAVTEX is an international automated directprinting service for promulgation of Maritime safety information such as navigational warnings and meteorological information to ships. It is a principle method for broadcasting maritime safety information, and Search and rescue alerts when there is an incident, in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. It has been developed to provide a low-cost, simple and automated means of receiving Maritime safety information on board ships at sea and in coastal waters. This edition includes, in particular, the procedure to withdraw existing NAVTEX stations, should a coastal State decide to do so.

This Manual is intended for use by maritime Administrations, seafarers, shipowners and others concerned with preparing, broadcasting and receiving Maritime safety information. The 2023 edition of the Manual came into effect on 1 January 2023 and includes the revised Performance standards for the reception of Maritime safety information and Search and rescue related information by MF (NAVTEX) and HF (resolution MSC.508(105)) and the revised Criteria for use when providing a NAVTEX service (resolution MSC.509(105), annex 4).