This is worth reading.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/dsc.htm

--

Roger Long



"Roger Long" wrote in message
.. .
I was looking at one of the new VHF radios today that has a data plug
to connect to the GPS. It sends out a preformatted distress message
with the boat's position when you push the panic button on the panel.

This seems like a great idea for someone who cruises with kids,
family, and friends. Even if they are trained and drilled in reading
the GPS and making radio calls, being able to immediately turn their
attention to the emergency, like getting the skipper back on board,
would be a plus. If there was a fire or sudden flooding, you could
evacuate the boat and the radio would keep broadcasting longer than
a person could stay on board. I know that direct communication is
best when possible but I can see circumstances where this could be a
lifesaver.

However, I'm wondering. Will the USCG just ignore calls like this
thinking, "Some kid hit a button again.", or wait for direct
contact?

Does anybody have any direct experience, feedback, or blatheringly
inane and useless observations on these units?


--

Roger Long

On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 00:59:48 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

This is worth reading.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/dsc.htm


I am not sure about the US, but in Canada an endorsement to your VHF
Restricted Operator's Certificate is required. The Digital Selective
calling component is another plus.


Jack

On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 01:12:02 GMT, Jack Dale
wrote:

On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 00:59:48 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

This is worth reading.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/dsc.htm


I am not sure about the US, but in Canada an endorsement to your VHF
Restricted Operator's Certificate is required. The Digital Selective
calling component is another plus.


Jack

No - a DSC endorsment is not required in Canada (not yet, anyway), but
all new operator certificates will include a DSC endorsement.
Canadian Power Squadrons does offer a separate manual and exam for the
DSC endorsment for current holders of an operator's certificate.



--
Peter Bennett VE7CEI
email: peterbb4 (at) interchange.ubc.ca
GPS and NMEA info and programs: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter/index.html
Newsgroup new user info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/nnq