In article ,
"Roger Long" wrote:

If I just use my DSC VHF like a regular VHF, no problem. If I use the DSC
feature beyond 20 miles to call another vessel directly with its MMSI
number, I'm breaking the FCC regulation. If I push the red emergency button
and make a mayday call beyond 20 miles without the full licence, I'm also
breaking the regulation but I would imagine this would be covered by the
"anybody can use the radio in an emergency" rule.

Apart from legal issues:
Using DSC is fine - but the problem are false distress calls that do not
get cancelled. So if you use it, get acquainted with GMDSS procedures,
and know how to cancel a distress call properly.
It is also useful to know how to dispatch a DSC distress call, including
selecting a specific reason, and entering the position manually if the
connected GPS should fail.
eg Sara Hopkinson, VHF afloat (short but sufficient)
or Sue Fletcher, Reeds VHF DSC handbook (longer, but easy reading too).

HTH

Marc

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