- title Why Bracknell Radiofax Ceased
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About this page
In 2001 the Bracknell Radio Fax transmissions (call sign GFA) ceased to operate. This is a summary of the history and may be useful background in the event that the Royal Navy discontinues its Radio Fax broadcasts.
Related page
First Intimation
The first real warning, other than hints and nods, was a footnote in small print in the Met Office Marine Weather Services brochure for 2001. It said that the Bracknell Radio Fax transmissions "may be discontinued in 2001". This brochure was available at the Boat Show, unlike in recent years, making it possible for the RYA and others to make representations to the Met Office.
On 14 February, 2001, The Met Office wrote to various people and bodies as follows (with some minor omissions).
.... the GFA broadcast is not owned or operated by the Met Office. Historically it was developed to support civil aviation and military requirements and included some chart information originating from the Met Office. You may be aware that the Royal Navy operates a similar broadcast known as B14A*. As of the 1 April 2001, B14A will be transmitted on three of the existing GFA frequencies and will have a reception footprint similar to the current GFA broadcast. Its precise content has yet to be confirmed. On that date the GFA broadcast will cease.
Even though the B14A broadcast is provided for Royal Navy operational requirements, it will remain unencrypted so that anyone with suitable equipment will be able to receive the service. The Royal Navy will supply amendments for appropriate publications including the Admiralty List of Radio Signals.
We have spoken to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) on this matter and it has confirmed that GFA is not required under Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) as the requirement is met by other services including the relatively new Navtex service. You will probably be aware of the other services we provide to mariners; I enclose the latest brochures. Of course I recognise that not all of them are available out to sea. Once the content of B14A has been clarified, we will consider any further possibilities. ''
* Call sign GYA and known to many sailors as Northwood.
Clearly, not as a result of pressure from the sailing community but in order to meet the needs of Royal Navy and NATO fleets, the Northwood Radio Fax schedule contains much that is useful to sailors. This is to be welcomed although it must be stressed that this service may not last for many years into the future. It is not and is not intended as a service to the civil marine community whether professional or leisure. In time of heightened military tension it may be broadcast in an encrypted form.
It can only be hoped that the Northwood broadcast will continue, at least, until such time as the reception of weather charts via satellite links becomes affordable and practicable for the majority of small vessels. As far as is known,
the Offenbach, Deutscher Wetterdienst, Radio Fax and Radio Teleprinter broadcasts will continue from Pinnenburg/Hamburg. This is a GMDSS service.
For details of schedules and frequencies used by Northwood broadcasts see Notices to Mariners and ALRS. Schedules are available online for Northwood, Offenbach and other radiofax services through links on my GMDSS Links page.
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