General information NAVTEX is an international automated direct-printing service for promulgation of navigational and meteorological warnings@ meteorological forecasts and other urgent information to ships. It was developed to provide a low-cost@ simple and automated means of receiving maritime safety information on board ships at sea in coastal waters. The information transmitted may be relevant to all sizes and types of vessel and the selective messagerejection feature ensures that mariners can receive a safety information broadcast which is tailored to their particular needs. NAVTEX fulfils an integral role in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and incorporated into the 1988 amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)@ 1974@ as amended@ as a requirement for ships to which the Convention applies. This Manual describes the structure and operation of the NAVTEX service. It is intended primarily for use by Maritime Administrations and others concerned with the preparation and broadcasting of maritime safety information. It will also be of interest to seafarers@ shipowners and others who need to receive such information in order to safely go about their business at sea. It should be used in conjunction with the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information (also published as the IHO/IMO World-Wide Navigational Warning Service Guidance Document@ IHO Publication S-53@ and S-53 Appendix 1).