NAVTEX fulfils an integral role in the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) which has been developed by the International Maritime Organization and contributes to the safety of life at sea. 

The NAVTEX system is commended to Administrations having responsibility for maritime affairs and to mariners who require an effective maritime safety information service. This manual is intended for use by seafarers, shipowners, maritime Administrations and others concerned with the preparation, broadcasting and receiving of maritime safety information. 

IMO Code: KC951E 

1              Introduction

2              Definitions

3              Planning a NAVTEX service

4              Principle features of NAVTEX services

5              The transmitter identification character (B1)

6              Allocation of transmission times

7              Subject indicator characters (B2)

8              Message format

9              Message Numbering

10            Information control

11            Message content

12            Message priorities

13            Best practice for those using the service

14            Management of the service

15            Information for mariners and publicity

Annex 1  IMO Sub-Committee on Radio communications and Search and Rescue – Co-ordinating Panel on NAVTEX services

Annex 2  Recommendation ITU-R M.450-2 – Operational and Technical Characteristics for an Automated Direct-Printing Telegraph System for Promulgation of Navigational and Meteorological Warnings and Urgent Information to Ships

Annex 3  IMO resolution MSC.148 (77) – Adoption of the Revised Performance Standards for Narrow-Band Direct-Printing Telegraph Equipment for the Reception of Navigational and Meteorological Warnings and Urgent Information to Ships (NAVTEX)

Annex 4  IMO Resolution A.706 (17), as amended – World-Wide Navigational Warning Service

Annex 5  IMO Resolution A.801(19), annex 4: Criteria for use when providing a NAVTEX service

Annex 6  Procedure for amending the NAVTEX Manual

Annex 7  COSMAR Circ.28 – International NAVTEX service: Interference between stations and the use of 490 kHz 

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