Guidance

GMDSS: benefits of digital selective calling (DSC)

MCA leaflet explaining specifications and recommendations for using VHF DSC radios on private leisure craft

• From: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Published: 1 August 2017
• Last updated: 28 September 2017 — See all updates

Documents

GMDSS: benefits of digital selective calling (DSC)

PDF, 1.48 MB, 2 pages

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Details

A global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) is a maritime communications system for all vessels. A total GMDSS system is made up of:

• digital selective calling (DSC) via radio
• satellite communications
• Navtex - weather and transport information
• search and rescue radar transponders (SARTs)
• emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)

A pleasure craft may not need a complete GMDSS package but MCA recommends that owners and operators make sure they at least fit a VHF DSC radio.

Find out about the benefits of having DSC equipped radios including:

• distress alerting
• safety broadcasts
• routine calls
• group calls

Published 1 August 2017
Last updated 28 September 2017 + show all updates

1. 28 September 2017

   Updated version of document

2. 1 August 2017

   First published.