NAVTEX in the Caribbean Basin

[Zanshin]

I am putting together all the things I want to bring back and install on the boat (waiting for me on the hard in Antigua) after the hurricane season ends. One device that is quite useful in Europe is the NAVTEX system and from the charts I see that there is only one station in the Caribbean. Is it of practical use in the Caribbean and in the Pacific or does it remain mainly a European system?

[GordMay]

NAVTEX is truly international (part of the GMDSS), but broadcast coverage can be "spotty".

The Caribbean is presently serviced by broadcasts from New Orleans, San Juan, & Curaçao, with stations “planned” for Martinique, Cozumel, & Veracruz.

[GordMay]

For world NAVTEX LOCATIONS & SCHEDULES

See Alan Gale’s website
➥ http://www.brunero.it/ik1qld/pdf/navtexschedules.pdf

Or Bill Hepburn’s website
➥ LW Navtex Broadcasts

[sobriyah]

Zanshin. Save your money. I have a navtex onboard. It was great in Europe, two weather forecasts a day, but out here in the Eastern Caribbean it is of no use whatsoever, unless you enjoy scrolling through dozens of uintelligable nav warnings related to the Florida coastline. Wi-fi coverage is so good now throughout the islands I almost always get my weather forecasts online. Put a wi-fi boster on your shopping list if you haven't already. I have an 'Alfa 500' and it is excellent.

[Zanshin]

Sobriyah - thanks for the comments, it does sound like my funds are better spent elsewhere. I've got good WiFi reception with a small booster, so perhaps a Pactor modem should be next on my list of goodies...

[SydneyTim]

WIFI, GRIBs on the Pactor and subscribing to or at least just listening to Chris Parker, Carib Weather on the SSB are the ways I would recommend.

Additionally if you speak French excellent regular VHF weather broadcasts from CROS Antilles Guyane when you are in/near the French islands.

[Zanshin]

I just found out that the PACTOR "factory" is about 20 minutes by car from where I am, so I will opt out of navtex and inmarsat and add the PACTOR to my SSB and add some more minutes to my Iridium account. I might still do the NAVTEX coupled to the chartplotter if I decide to head to Europe this season.