The Novaco service is completely independent of other communication systems on board, such as Inmarsat, VSAT etc. It is as simple to use as a portable FM radio. The difference being, instead of connecting an earphone to the receiver, a PC is connected through a USB connector. No external power is required. Subscribers point the antenna roughly in the right direction and switch on their PC at the time of the required data broadcast. The receiver does the rest.

Notices to mariners and tracings are broadcast daily at 10:00 UTC and 22:00 UTC. Each weekly edition is broadcast 30 times over a period of 8 weeks giving subscribers ample opportunity to receive a complete data set.

Weather information is broadcast repeatedly during the day. Fixed schedule broadcasts ensures clarity of accountability for accessing data whilst creating a QA process for the completeness of the information received.

Officers know at all times if the necessary data has been received in full. If not, officers have ample warning to instigate remedial action, normally by tuning into a subsequent broadcast or by seeking alternative recourse from their supplier.

The Novaco Broadcast Service can be received while sailing in the waters of Europe, Asia, Africa and Northern Australia. Ships cannot receive Novaco broadcasts while away from these areas. However, weekly Notices to Mariners are re-broadcast over a four week period which ensures that data can reach ships once they are back within the coverage areas of the system.