All country codes transmitted by MF/HF SITOR (NBDP) are preceded by which character(s)?

In MF/HF SITOR (NBDP - Narrow Band Direct Printing) communications, all country codes are preceded by the character "0." This designation is part of the standardized protocol for identifying countries in maritime communication systems, allowing for consistent and reliable message routing.

The "0" prefix serves to distinguish country codes from other types of information transmitted in the communication stream. This is crucial for ensuring that messages are properly directed to their intended national destination, minimizing the risk of miscommunication.

The use of "0" helps operators recognize that what follows is a specific country code, streamlining the communication process in maritime environments where clarity and efficiency are paramount.