METAREA

METAREAs are geographical sea regions for the purpose of coordinating the transmission of meteorological information to mariners on international voyages through international and territorial waters.

These regions are part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System.

The regions are identical to NAVAREAs which are used to coordinate the transmission of navigational hazards to the same mariners.

Mariners receive the meteorological and navigational information via NAVTEX.

Countries responsible for the issuance of the final METAREA bulletins are known as the "Issuing Services".

Map of all NAVAREAs. A similar map exists for METAREAs, with only slight changes to areas III and VIII.