SAFETY AT SEA - DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING RADIOS
By Robert Westcott, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Public Affairs Department
D
igital Selective Calling Radio, a new advance in
marine radio technology, gives recreational
boaters with one of these VHF radios (along with
a connected GPS and Maritime Mobile Service Identity
(MMSI) number programmed into the radio) the ability to
be identified in case of emergency.
The MMSI is a unique nine-digit number that is assigned
to a DSC radio station free of charge. If the boater has a
valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) station
license or plans to operate in international waters they
should contact the FCC to get an MMSI. Otherwise, they
can register with BoatU.S. by obtaining an MMSI
assignment form.
Forms are available on the BoatU.S. Web site
www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or by calling (800) 563-1536.
Registration is also available from Seatow at
www.seatow.com.
Some important points to consider are:
* Each vessel you own needs to have its own MMSI to be
properly identified.
* The boater needs to keep his or her MMSI Assignment
data current.
In addition to providing the Coast Guard with vessel coordinates
DSC technology makes a VHF radio function more like a
in case of an emergency, DSC makes it easier for boaters to
telephone. It allows boaters to send a digital call
contact other vessels with the same system.
directly to another DSC equipped vessel or shore
station.
For more information about safe boating, contact the Coast
Guard at www.uscgboating.org.
In an emergency, one push of a button and the DSC
radio will send an automated digital distress alert
consisting of your identification (MMSI), and position (if
the radio is connected to a GPS) to other DSC equipped
vessels and rescue facilities.
NAME THAT BOAT!
Courtesy of http://landandseacollection.com
As an additional benefit to boaters, this technology
enables you to privately hail another DSC equipped
vessel or shore station if you know their MMSI. It is
similar to having a VHF phone number which “rings” the
radio called and then automatically switches you to a
pre-determined working channel.
Rescue 21 is the Coast Guard system that will provide
the May Day response capability described above. For
more details on the Rescue 21 System and its
availability in your area, visit www.uscg.mil/rescue21.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939
by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-
What is the name of this boat?
designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its over 31,000 members
donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard
Answer on the ASA website at
missions.
www.asa.com
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