The Western ATlantic Route System - A complex web of fixed traffic routes serving the Carribean and controlled by New York.  It experiences frequent heavy traffic volumes, especially during the morning and afternoon peaks caused by the southern push and the returning northern push.

The WATRS coordinates are defined as follows:

"Beginning at a point 27°00' N / 77°00' W, direct to 20°00' N / 67°00' W, direct to 18°00' N / 62°00' W, direct to 18°00 N' / 60°00' W, direct to 38°30' N / 60°00' W, direct to 38°30' N / 69°15' W, thence counterclockwise along the New York Oceanic CTA/FIR boundary to the Miami Oceanic CTA/FIR boundary, thence southbound along the Miami Oceanic CTA/FIR boundary to the point of beginning."

The NYOCETF (New York Oceanic Capacity Enhancement Task Force, formed in the 1995) has been working on the WATRS RVSM issue in conjunction with industry, ATC services providers, controller and pilot associations, and the Department of Defense since 1998.  RVSM implementation in the WATRS region has been discussed, and briefed as having an implementation date of 2001.  For additional information, contact Mike Pumphrey, New York ARTCC.