NAVTEX receivers automatically receive maritime safety information including weather forecasts, navigational warnings, and search and rescue information broadcast on 518 kHz and 490 kHz. SOLAS mandatory for most commercial vessels.
NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) is the primary system for maritime safety information broadcast in coastal waters up to 400 nautical miles. It automatically receives and prints maritime safety information including navigational warnings, weather forecasts, ice reports, and search and rescue notices without requiring crew attention.
NAVTEX operates on 518 kHz (international, English language) and 490 kHz (national language broadcasts). A third frequency, 4209.5 kHz, is used for some regional services. Modern NAVTEX receivers can store hundreds of messages and filter by category and station identifier.
Under SOLAS regulations, NAVTEX receivers are mandatory for vessels navigating in areas covered by the NAVTEX service. EKS Marine Electronics provides installation, service, and annual inspection of NAVTEX systems.