Radio Signals Guide in Paper Format

Introduction

The Radio Signals Guide in paper format is technical nautical documentation dedicated to maritime communications, radio stations, safety services, radio navigation, GMDSS, pilotage services, Vessel Traffic Services and port operations. It complements the other documents required for voyage planning and navigation by providing information that is not directly shown on a nautical chart.

A nautical chart represents depths, hazards, navigation marks, channels and geographical features of an area. A radio signals guide, by contrast, provides information about radio stations, VHF services, frequencies, maritime safety systems, meteorological services, NAVTEX, pilotage services and communication procedures.

The paper format retains a specific role on board. It can be consulted directly at the chart table or on the bridge without depending on a computer, tablet, Internet connection or electrical power.

What is a Radio Signals Guide used for?

A radio signals guide enables navigators to identify the radio services available in a particular maritime area and understand their characteristics.

Depending on the volume, it may provide information concerning:

• maritime radio stations;

• coast stations;

• communication frequencies and channels;

• VHF services;

• radio aids to navigation;

• Racons and other radar beacons;

• AIS stations;

• radio navigation services;

• meteorological services;

• NAVTEX broadcasts;

• Maritime Safety Information;

• distress and rescue services;

• rescue coordination centres;

• pilotage services;

• Vessel Traffic Services or VTS;

• vessel reporting systems;

• port operations and communication procedures.

It is therefore particularly useful for preparing communications before an ocean passage, port approach or voyage through a high-traffic maritime area.

Paper Radio Signals Guide versus Digital Format

The main advantage of a paper Radio Signals Guide is its independence from electronic equipment.

In the event of electrical failure, computer malfunction, discharged batteries or display problems, a paper publication remains immediately accessible.

This is particularly important when dealing with safety information. An electronic failure should not prevent the crew from finding the contact details of a radio station, pilotage service or rescue coordination centre.

Paper also offers straightforward consultation:

• no power supply required;

• no battery;

• no Internet connection;

• immediate consultation at the chart table;

• several crew members can consult the same publication;

• quick reference through indexes, chapters and tables;

• a reliable backup in the event of electronic failure.

Digital publications offer other advantages, particularly instant search functions and easy storage. The two formats therefore meet complementary requirements.

Admiralty List of Radio Signals Publications

The principal international collection of paper Radio Signals Guides is the Admiralty List of Radio Signals, published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

The collection is organised into six major areas covering the different aspects of international maritime radiocommunications.

Volume 1 – Maritime Radio Stations

NP281 is dedicated to maritime radio stations. It includes information concerning international maritime communications, satellite communications, coast guard communications, Maritime Telemedical Assistance Services and certain specialised services.

This information enables navigators to identify stations and services available when operating in a particular maritime area.

Volume 2 – Radio Aids to Navigation

NP282 deals with radio aids to navigation.

It includes information relating to:

• VHF direction-finding stations;

• Racons;

• Ramarks;

• AIS;

• navigation aids;

• DGPS corrections;

• time signals;

• electronic position-fixing systems.

This documentation is particularly useful for navigators using radar, AIS, positioning systems and nautical documentation together.

Volume 3 – Maritime Safety Information Services

NP283 covers Maritime Safety Information services.

It includes information concerning meteorological services, navigational warnings, NAVTEX, EGC and certain weather and chart-related broadcasts by radio.

This documentation is particularly important when preparing safety watchkeeping during coastal or offshore navigation.

Volume 4 – Meteorological Observation Stations

NP284 lists meteorological observation stations.

It complements the information required to understand the meteorological networks used by navigators and maritime services.

Volume 5 – Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

NP285 is dedicated to the GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

It contains information concerning distress communications, search and rescue, MRCC and MRSC services, NAVTEX broadcasts and NAVAREA areas.

It is an important reference for maritime communications professionals and navigators operating under GMDSS procedures.

Volume 6 – Pilot Services, Vessel Traffic Services and Port Operations

NP286 covers pilotage services, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and port operations.

It provides information about:

• pilotage services;

• station contact details;

• communication procedures;

• VTS;

• vessel reporting systems;

• port information;

• service contact details;

• procedures applicable in ports.

This documentation is particularly important when approaching major international ports.

Navigation in the English Channel and North Sea

The English Channel and North Sea are areas where maritime communications play a major role.

Traffic density, traffic separation schemes, numerous port approaches and pilotage services require careful preparation.

Ports such as Dunkirk, Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Havre, Cherbourg, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Portsmouth and Southampton are associated with extensive port and traffic management services.

For these areas, Admiralty publications can complement cartographic information provided by SHOM, Admiralty or NV Charts, depending on the area covered and the type of navigation.

Navigation in the Atlantic and Bay of Biscay

In the Bay of Biscay and European Atlantic, communications remain essential, particularly during voyages between France, Spain and Portugal.

Ports such as Brest, Lorient, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Bilbao, Santander, Vigo and Lisbon are integrated into international maritime service networks.

For offshore navigation, the navigator must also understand the means available for receiving meteorological and safety information as the vessel moves farther from the coast.

Nautical charts for these areas may come from SHOM, Admiralty or NV Charts, depending on the area and type of cartography used.

Navigation in the Mediterranean

In the Mediterranean, the diversity of countries, regulations and port services makes radio documentation particularly useful.

A route may connect Marseille, Toulon, Nice, Ajaccio or Bastia with Italian ports such as Genoa, Livorno, Cagliari, Olbia or Naples, before continuing towards Croatia, Greece or Turkey.

The approaches to Gibraltar are also an important area for vessels entering or leaving the Mediterranean.

Admiralty publications provide international information, while publications from national hydrographic offices complement information specific to each country.

Caribbean Navigation and Transatlantic Passages

Radio Signals Guides are also useful for voyages between Europe and the Caribbean.

A passage via the Canary Islands and Cape Verde can take a vessel into maritime areas far from European coastal networks.

Upon reaching the Caribbean, communications may concern ports and areas around Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Antigua, Grenada or Saint Vincent.

Navigators need to understand maritime safety services, coast stations, port procedures and the means available for receiving meteorological information.

For chart coverage in these regions, navigators may encounter publications from Admiralty, NV Charts and national hydrographic offices.

Pilotage Services and VTS

Vessel Traffic Services, or VTS, are used to monitor and organise maritime traffic in certain areas.

They are particularly important in areas with high concentrations of vessels, narrow channels, complex approaches or major port infrastructure.

A Radio Signals Guide provides the information required to identify the relevant services, their communication methods and the procedures to be followed.

These details are particularly useful when approaching ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, Le Havre, Southampton, Gibraltar or Marseille.

Vessel Reporting Systems

Some maritime areas operate ship reporting systems.

Navigators may therefore need to know:

• the area concerned;

• the responsible service;

• communication methods;

• information that must be transmitted;

• reporting points or times;

• specific procedures.

Such systems may apply to port approaches, traffic separation schemes or maritime areas presenting particular safety requirements.

GMDSS and Distress Communications

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System is a fundamental component of maritime safety.

The relevant publications provide information needed to identify distress, search and rescue services.

In an emergency, rapid access to reliable information is essential.

A paper guide makes it possible to retrieve this information without relying on a screen or computer network.

Documentation may include information concerning:

• rescue coordination centres;

• MRCC and MRSC services;

• NAVAREA areas;

• alert distribution systems;

• NAVTEX services;

• general distress procedures.

NAVTEX and Maritime Safety Information

NAVTEX provides automatic distribution of maritime and meteorological information.

This information may include navigational warnings, weather forecasts and various safety-related messages.

The Radio Signals Guide provides information about the relevant services and broadcast areas.

This is particularly useful when navigating in the English Channel, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean or Mediterranean Sea, or before an ocean passage.

Documentation for Professional Navigation

The paper Radio Signals Guide is particularly relevant to:

• merchant vessels;

• deck officers;

• professional crews;

• fishing vessels;

• port services;

• maritime schools;

• training centres;

• vessels undertaking international voyages;

• offshore crews;

• sailors preparing complex passages.

For professionals, access to up-to-date technical and regulatory documentation contributes to effective document management and safety procedures on board.

The Importance of an Up-to-Date Edition

Radio-related information can change: stations may be modified, services may be discontinued or created, port procedures may be updated, new VTS areas may be introduced, weather services may evolve and safety systems may be modified.

It is therefore important to check the edition and update status of a guide before using it.

For Admiralty publications, corrections are distributed through Admiralty Notices to Mariners, which help maintain the documentation in an up-to-date condition.

Paper Guide and Documentary Redundancy

In navigation, redundancy of safety resources is an important principle.

A navigator may use several systems simultaneously:

• electronic navigation systems;

• VHF;

• AIS;

• radar;

• positioning systems;

• digital documents;

• paper publications.

The paper Radio Signals Guide can form part of this redundancy.

The objective is not necessarily to oppose paper and digital formats, but to maintain a reliable means of consultation when electronic equipment is unavailable or does not allow information to be accessed quickly enough.

Conclusion

The Radio Signals Guide in paper format is technical documentation dedicated to maritime communications and the services essential to safe navigation.

The Admiralty List of Radio Signals, published by the UKHO, covers six major areas: maritime radio stations, radio aids to navigation, Maritime Safety Information services, meteorological observation stations, GMDSS, pilotage, VTS and port operations.

From the English Channel and North Sea to the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean, and onward to ocean routes, this information enables navigators to better prepare communications and understand the services available in each area.

The paper format provides additional documentary security: it remains available without batteries, Internet access or dependence on computer systems.

Used alongside appropriate nautical documentation and modern electronic equipment, the paper Radio Signals Guide therefore contributes to comprehensive and structured voyage preparation, particularly for professional, offshore and international navigation.

FAQ – Paper Radio Signals Guide

What is a paper Radio Signals Guide used for?

It provides information about radio stations, communication frequencies and services, radio navigation aids, Maritime Safety Information, GMDSS, pilotage services, VTS and port operations.

What is the advantage of a paper Radio Signals Guide compared with a digital version?

Paper can be consulted without electricity, batteries, Internet access or a computer. It therefore provides a particularly useful backup document on board.

What are the main volumes of the Admiralty List of Radio Signals?

The Admiralty collection comprises six major volumes covering maritime radio stations, radio aids to navigation, Maritime Safety Information services, meteorological observation stations, GMDSS, and pilotage, VTS and port operations.

What is NP285?

NP285 is Volume 5 of the Admiralty List of Radio Signals. It is dedicated to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and includes information concerning distress, search and rescue, NAVTEX services and NAVAREA areas.

What is NP286?

NP286 is Volume 6 of the Admiralty List of Radio Signals. It covers pilotage services, Vessel Traffic Services, ship reporting systems and port operations.

Is a Radio Signals Guide useful for navigation in the English Channel?

Yes. The English Channel is a high-traffic area with numerous ports, traffic separation schemes, VTS services and pilotage systems. Radio documentation helps prepare the necessary communications.

Is a Radio Signals Guide useful for Mediterranean navigation?

Yes. It can be used to prepare communications when navigating between France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece and other Mediterranean countries.

Is a Radio Signals Guide useful for an Atlantic crossing?

Yes. It helps prepare communication systems and the reception of safety information during passages between Europe, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and the Caribbean.

Does a Radio Signals Guide replace a nautical chart?

No. A nautical chart describes the geographical and hydrographic environment, while a Radio Signals Guide primarily provides information about communications and radio services.

What is a VTS?

A VTS, or Vessel Traffic Service, is a service established in certain areas to monitor and manage maritime traffic in order to improve navigation safety and efficiency.

What is NAVTEX?

NAVTEX is an automatic system for transmitting maritime and meteorological information, including navigational warnings and safety information.

Why should a recent edition of a Radio Signals Guide be used?

Stations, frequencies, procedures, port services and safety systems may change. It is therefore essential to check the edition and applicable corrections before use.

Which publishers provide paper Radio Signals Guides?

The principal international paper collection is the Admiralty List of Radio Signals, published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. SHOM publications dedicated to radio signals are currently distributed exclusively in digital PDF format.

Is a paper Radio Signals Guide useful even when a vessel has VHF and modern electronic equipment?

Yes. Electronic equipment allows navigators to use radio services, but the guide provides the information needed to identify stations, services and procedures. The paper format also provides a valuable backup in the event of electronic failure.