chuck wrote:
Larry and Pascal:

Isn't the momentum for DSC and GMDSS being driven by European
requirements? My understanding is that implementation by the UK and
other European coast guard stations is farther along than in the US.

True, in Europe all coastguard stations have the equipment, and so do
all IMO registered ships. They are checked when they get to port.

Manufacturers tend to build to meet the market's most stringent
requirements.

The IMO is a worldwide organization, and it has mandated GMDSS, of which
DSC is a part. As of February 2005 no coastguard in the world nor any
vessel is _obliged_ to listen to Channel 16. They may do so however, and
this is done even in Europe.

From the UK MCA website:
http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-gu...comms_code.htm

"While the United Kingdom Coastguard will continue coverage of VHF
Channel 16 for the foreseeable future, from 1 February 2005, the
Coastguard watch on Channel 16 will be downgraded from a dedicated
headset watch to a loudspeaker watch. Also, from this date, ships that
are currently obliged to keep a listening watch on Channel 16 where
practicable, will no longer be obliged to do so."

And the Dutch coastguard says:
http://www.kustwacht.nl/Engels/Newsl...37E%20LW16.pdf

"It is therefore that the Directorate-General Freight Transport of the
Ministry of Transport and Public Works decided to continue the radio
watch on VHF channel 16 in The Netherlands, for the time being for an
unlimited period, after February 1st 2005. The decision of other
countries in this matter is unknown.
In spite of the above-mentioned decision The Netherlands Coastguard
maintains its advice to seagoing yachtsmen to change over to GMDSS
equipment. It is in their best interest to initiate alerts on VHF DSC
channel 70 whenever the circumstances require doing so. Only in this way
one stands a very good chance to be “heard”."

--
Kees