The sheer number of available features can be a little overwhelming. There is one feature on VHF radios, though, that might just save your life one day. It’s called Digital Selective Calling, or DSC. With a Little Preparation, This Red "Distress" Button Can Save Your Boat and Your Life!ĭSC radio, when combined with the Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 initiative, can be a great advantage for boaters. In other words, it can take the search out of search and rescue! Secondly, in case of emergency, your radio will tell the Coast Guard vital information about you: information like the name and description of your boat, exactly where you are located, even who to contact in case of emergency.įor starters, it can greatly reduce the time it will take the Coast Guard to find you in case of an emergency. The system is automatic it will continue to transmit information even if you can’t man your radio. Even guests on your boat can make this easy call for help in a crisis. Here’s how Digital Selective Calling works.
Blue sky, slight breeze, a perfect boating day. Then all of a sudden something goes wrong.
It could be a fire, an accident or a medical emergency of some kind. You need help, and you need it fast! Don’t panic. On the front of the radio you’ll see a red Distress button. This is where DSC and Rescue 21 take over. Once you press the distress button, your radio sends a digital signal over Channel 70. That signal goes to the Coast Guard, but it also goes out to all boats within range that have DSC/VHF radios. The radio will continue to send the message until someone acknowledges it. This message is fast (only 1/3 of a second), accurate, complete and automatic. It will continue to broadcast even if the skipper is incapacitated. Your distress signal alerts the Coast Guard Watchstander that you’re in trouble. The digital information tells the Coast Guard the exact location of your boat (latitude and longitude) as well personal information and a description of your boat. The Watchstander will acknowledge your message, and your radio will automatically switch to Channel 16 so you can talk directly to the Coast Guard. In addition, other nearby vessels will be notified where you are and that you are in a crisis. You can rest assured that help is on the way, thanks to Digital Selective Calling and Rescue 21. In order for this system to function correctly, though, it is crucial that it be properly configured, so now we’re going to take a look at the basics of setting up and using a DSC/ VHF radio. For specific information, please always refer to your radio and or GPS user’s manual.
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