Digital technology is changing our lives at home and now on the water. If your vessel is not equipped with a VHF Digital Select Calling (DSC) radio, it's time to consider upgrading to one for many reasons - safety being the BIGGEST one.
In an emergency, one push of a button and your DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert consisting of your identification (MMSI) number, and position (if your radio is linked to a GPS receiver) to other DSC-equipped vessels and rescue facilities.
Marine radios equipped with DSC serve as one facet of the GMDSS. A DSC equipped radio has all the features of your current VHF radio, and more. DSC technology makes a VHF radio work more like a telephone. It allows boaters to send a digital call directly to another DSC-equipped vessel or shore station, much like a person-to-person telephone call.
Rescue 21 is the United States Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and communications system. Created to improve the ability to assist mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea, the system is currently being installed in stages across the United States.
The coasts of Oregon and Washington State are now covered by the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 advanced radio and communications system, as Air Station Astoria, OR, was deployed in early May. The nationwide system now covers 15,745 miles of coastline.
While all boaters with VHF radios will benefit from Rescue 21, it will be much more effective with a DSC-capable VHF radio. For boaters staying within U.S. boundaries, MMSI registration is free from BoatUS. It must be programmed into the radio. Go to www.BoatUS.com/MMSI for online registration or to download the form.
Also on the site is a free tutorial, “Can You Hear Me?” on how to use DSC radios.
The United States Power Squadrons is also authorized by the Federal Communications Commission and the US Coast Guard to issue MMSIs to US flagged vessels not subject to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention requirements. This includes almost all recreational boats. Go to USPS MMSI home.
