What does WATRS mean in GOVERNMENTAL

The WATRS stands for the West Atlantic Route System - a system of maritime routes used for transport and trade purposes between Europe and North America that has been in use since the 19th century.

The UK, France, Portugal, Spain, and other European countries as well as Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean islands use the West Atlantic Route System for international shipping.

There are five main routes that make up the WATRS — three which run east-west across the Atlantic Ocean, one which goes south from Greenland to Bermuda and one which runs north-south through Dublin Bay.

Using this route system allows vessels to travel safely while avoiding areas with high wind speeds or heavy seas. It also reduces fuel costs due to sailing shorter distances along predetermined paths. Finally, ships can reach their destination faster due to shorter travel times between ports thanks to less dangerous waters along their route.

Ships navigating these routes typically rely on navigational aids such as GPS systems and electronic charts as well as basic navigational instruments such as compasses and sextants. Additionally, many ships traveling these routes must carry specialized communication devices such as an Inmarsat satellite telephone in order to maintain contact with shore stations throughout their journey.