VHF radio with DSC and Class D information
If you are considering purchasing, selling or reinstalling a VHF radio in the near future, this information is very important to consider.
Class D equipment is specifically designed for recreational vessels. It provides VHF DSC distress, urgency and safety as well as routine calling and position polling. Class D equipment includes a dedicated channel 70 DSC receiver, so you will never miss a DSC call.
After you buy a Class D VHF radio...
You must do a couple things in-order for it to work correctly.
1. You need to register for an MMSI number in order for the Coast Guard to be able to identify your boat (required).
2. Your DSC capable fixed-mount VHF radio must be connected to an external GPS source for DSC function to work properly. This can be a separate GPS antenna, or a chartplotter/GPS unit (which has a built-in antenna).
If you have a non-Class D DSC radio, will you need to upgrade?
Users of RTCM-SC-101 compliant DSC radios that are not Class D, will not be required to upgrade. This new specification is only for insuring that all radios that are sold or reinstalled after March 25th, 2011 are Class D.
Are all new VHF radios Class D compliant?
If you purchase a fixed-mount VHF radio from a reputable source, then it will probably be Class D compliant, as it is now illegal for anyone to sell non-Class D radios. Some smaller retailers may not be aware of this regulation change, so it is always good to check the model number to be sure. Be aware that some model names have remained the same through this change, so it is important to cross-reference the model number (not just the model name) of the radio you are considering.
All portable/hand-held VHF radios being sold today are still not Class D Compliant, and are not yet required to be compliant by the FCC. Some handhelds, however, are DSC capable.
