Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) and Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

contract is required to support the development, implementation (including training) and maintenance of new control service infrastructure for HM Coastguard’s (HMCG) Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and NAVTEX (NAVigational TEleX) capability. This will include the provision to replace any hardware interfaces (modems) at all receive/transmission sites across the UK, to replace the legacy interfaces that are proprietary and end of service life.

NAVTEX (Navigational Telex) is a communications system that allows for the transmission of maritime safety information and navigational warnings to ships. It uses a network of ground-based transmitters to transmit messages via medium frequency (MF) to vessels within a specified area of responsibility. The messages typically include information about hazards to navigation, such as submerged wrecks or icebergs as well as weather forecasts, search and rescue alerts, and other important information. NAVTEX is designed to be a simple and cost-effective way for ships to receive important safety information while at sea. It is used by many countries around the world, including the United States and European Union member states.

NAVTEX is a component of the Worldwide Navigation Warning Service, the MCA is obliged to operate this service under International Maritime Organisation Resolution and is one of HM Coastguards six functions (Maritime Safety Information). The MCA utilises three transmitting sites and six receiving sites across the UK.

NAVTEX is transmitted from 3 sites, Nyton, Cullercoates and Portpatrick. The 6 receiving sites spread across the UK.

The MCA seeks to procure a NAVTEX Solution application for up to 50 concurrent users, and all associated hardware or interfaces that feed into the input/output of the transmitter/receiver.