Coastal Warnings

Coastal warnings are issued for information, which is of importance only in a particular coastal region. They are not restricted to main shipping lanes. They are generally transmitted more frequently than NAVAREA warnings, and only to the sea region surrounding the hazard. They will often supplement the information contained in NAVAREA warnings. Coastal warnings of all parts of the world are broadcast from the country of origin. Coastal navigational warnings contain information relating to the principal aids to navigation and other important hydrographic matters such as:

(1) Casualties to major lights/fog signals, major floating lights and the more important buoys;

(2) Drifting mines and derelicts in congested waters when the information is recent and sufficiently accurate.

(3) Large unwieldy tows in congested waters;

(4) Dangerous wrecks and new or amended shoal depths;

(5) Establishment of salvage buoys in congested waters;

(6) Areas where SAR and anti-pollution operations are being carried out (for avoidance of such areas);

(7) Negative tidal surges;

(8) New positions of mobile drilling rigs;

(9) Cable operations or certain underwater activities

Coastal navigational warnings can only be expected to give information of importance to assist the Mariner about immediate dangers and major alterations to important navigational aids. The purpose is to assist Mariners in coastal navigation up to the entrance of ports. Masters are recommended to arrange, whenever possible, for the navigational warning broadcast to be monitored prior to sailing in case any dangers affecting their routes are notified.