Anyone Use DSC Recreationally?

[jssailem]

Great... No more “Breaker Breaker Good Buddy” just push the button under the little red DSC door and talk to help on Channel 70.
How sweet it is!

 

[NotCook]

Too many boaters can’t be bothered to keep their VHF radio watch, pretty certain they’ll never learn how to use DSC. But it doesn’t matter, when the USCG built out Rescue 21 they created a radio capability that has awesome range and all you need to know is how to make an emergency call and talk.
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtNds

Gunni, thanks for sharing. That is good to know information. I just reviewed the coverage for Sector San Juan.

 

[chuckwayne]

Right, Gunni,
I made a custom plackcard for my nav station that details the emergency procedure for my radios, including exactly what to do and say in an emergency

 

[Ward H]

just push the button under the little red DSC door and talk to help on Channel 70.

John, Just an FYI, the manual for my SH HX870 handheld says it transmits the emergency DSC call on Ch70, then monitors Ch70 for an acknowledgement. Once it receives the acknowledgment, it switches to Ch16 for the verbal communications.
Doesn't sound like you talk on 70.

 

[jssailem]

Yes @Ward H. The DSC system changes to 16 for voice communication after the data is sent to the USCG. Your HX870 sends message "PANIC" (you select on your radio), Your "Mayday" call, and your GPS location, boat registration data based on your MMSI input into the system database. I think their system even brings up your emergency contact person info.
Then on 16 you can tell them your predicament and affirm the emergency. "I am hanging upside down from the bow of my boat. Only person on the boat. Yes I am wearing a PFD. Boat is headed towards the rocks. I am about 5 miles from the rocks. Boat is going about 3 knots. HELP".

 

[JohnShannon]

I am hanging upside down from the bow of my boat. Only person on the boat. Yes I am wearing a PFD. Boat is headed towards the rocks. I am about 5 miles from the rocks. Boat is going about 3 knots. HELP

I hate when that happens

 

[chuckwayne]

I do the mayday or pan pan call first on 16, then the dsc - there might be someone nearby who can assist(it's been me numerous times, either assisting or relaying once the CG responds). If you're on 16, then hit the dsc button, the vhf switches to 70 for the dsc call, then back to 16 when CG responds