Tag Archives :DSC

Digital Selective Calling—DSC—is one of those features that, despite having been standard on every fixed-mount VHF for more than a decade, is little understood and little used by recreational sailors. One reason is perhaps that it requires two devices to be wired together—a process that requires some head-scratching if the two are from different manufacturers. Another might be that DSC requires you to obtain a Marine Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number that must be programmed into the radio.  ...

If you have a DSC-equipped radio, flip up the cover on the DSC button and press the button for 3 to 5 seconds. Some radios will allow you to choose your problem from a list (Fire/Explosion, Flooding, Collision, Grounding, Capsizing, Sinking, Adrift, Abandoning Ship, Piracy, Man Overboard) so that vessels receiving your transmission will automatically know what happened.  ...

Not just anyone can use a VHF marine radio. To operate this equipment - both fixed and handheld radios - on a UK-flagged vessel, you must have, at the minimum, the Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC). This is a legal requirement. The SRC, which must be successfully completed at a recognized training center, instructs users in radio etiquette and procedures, digital selected calling (DSC) and emergency procedures.  ...

There are many ways to communicate with others at sea ranging from signal flags to satellite phones. While it is not a legal requirement in most countries, leisure sailors are strongly encouraged to use a VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Radio as their primary means of communication, since this is used by the rescue authorities and commercial shipping.   ...

The ability to call for help or signal for assistance is imperative. With a VHF or DSC radio you can transmit a Mayday call to the Coastguard and other vessels and a distress or emergency beacon will transmit your location to the search and rescue services  ...

Retevis powerful VHF RA27 marine radios have been designed for both OEM and aftermarket applications. Featuring an updated industrial design and sleek aesthetics. The RA27 is Retevis’s entry-level radio, offering 25W of transmit power and Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) compatibility via NMEA 2000.  ...

DSC is one of the best deals in town. Setting up your VHF radio with digital selective calling is simple, and it could save your life. If you've bought a VHF radio in the last few years, chances are it has a red distress button on the front. Lift the flap, press and hold the button for five seconds, and details of your vessel, your position, and the fact that you require urgent  ...

First of all, make sure that your VHF is capable of ATIS transmissions. Otherwise, you will have to acquire the appropriate model, there is a choice of ATIS-enabled radios from different manufacturers on the market. Before traveling on inland waterways of RAINWAT countries, you must enable the ATIS mode of your VHF radio transceiver. This function is programmed by the manufacturer or your local dealer (on your request).  ...

You don’t want to be fumbling about trying to remember the training when you really need it. You, as skipper, should have a good understanding of how it works, how to adjust it and how to send an emergency message. Ideally, at least one other person aboard should also have a working knowledge of the basics.  ...

A marine VHF radio is the best communication device to have on a boat. It is an important safety tool for mariners who set out on offshore or inland waters. The law requires boats that are over 62 feet to carry a VHF radio, but it is advisable to carry one regardless of the size of your boat. You’ll use it all the time to make contact with harbors or marinas, call rescue services if something goes wrong, and communicate with other boats or ships.  ...