NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) is an
international automated
medium frequency direct-printing service for delivery of
navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts, as well as
urgent marine safety information to ships. It was developed to provide a
low-cost, simple, and automated means of receiving this information
aboard ships at sea within approximately 370 km (200 nautical miles) of
shore.
NAVTEX stations in the U.S. are operated by the
United States Coast Guard. There are no user fees associated with
receiving NAVTEX broadcasts.
Where the messages contain weather forecasts, an abbreviated format very
similar to the
shipping forecast is used.
