information in the form of NAVAREA XI Navigational Warnings, at fixed intervals (at any time in case of particular emergency), using radiotelegraph and the Inmarsat-EGC System. In addition, Japan issues a "Weekly Summary of NAVAREA XI Warnings" (printed material) once a week.
(v) NAVTEX Navigational Warnings are globally uniform navigational warnings. They provide information, such as information regarding drifting objects, which must be reported urgently for safe navigation in the coastal sea areas of every country, using the NAVTEX System.
Japan divides its coastal areas into five sea zones and provides necessary information, in both Japanese and English, at fixed intervals (at any time in case of emergency) in each of these sea zones.
(3) Providing Information on Ocean Conditions
JMSA provides information required for safe and efficient ship traffic, through information of ocean conditions, which compile information on ocean currents, sea ice and other oceanographic conditions in the waters adjacent to Japan.
II. Administering and Providing Oceanographic Information
As a result of the remarkable progress in science and technology in recent years, there is increasing development of submarine mineral resources, use of ocean space, and other marine development and utilization in diverse fields. In addition, as a result of the Japanese people having more leisure time, the popularity of marine recreation is growing rapidly. Amid such circumstances, the demand is growing dramatically for marine data, such as water temperatures, ocean currents, and submarine topography, which are essential to the safety of all types of marine activities and to understanding the oceans.
1. Operation of the Japan Oceanographic Data Center, Provision of Information, etc.
JMSA established the Oceanographic Data Center, the predecessor of the Japan Oceanographic Data Center (JODC), in 1965, in response to the decision of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the Oceanographic and Scientific Technology Council (currently the Marine Development Council).
Domestically, JODC is a "comprehensive oceanographic data bank " which centrally controls oceanographic data obtained by Japanese oceanographic research enactments and other sources. Internationally, it is "Japan's representative organization in the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange System (IODE)," which IOC promotes. In addition, it is the "Responsible National Oceanographic Data Center (RNODC)," which is
