DSC is simply a tone signalling system, which operates on VHF Channel 70 and is similar to the tone dialling on your phone, but with the ability to include other information such as the vessel’s identification number, the purpose of the call, your position, and the channel you want to speak on.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a maritime communications system – not just for emergency and distress messages, but also for all types of existing vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore routine communications. Commercial vessels over 300 gross tonnage and certain smaller vessels, including some fishing boats, must fit GMDSS equipment. Most of the well known offshore yacht races now insist yachts are GMDSS equipped.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a maritime communications system – not just for emergency and distress messages, but also for all types of existing vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore routine communications. Commercial vessels over 300 gross tonnage and certain smaller vessels, including some fishing boats, must fit GMDSS equipment. Most of the well known offshore yacht races now insist yachts are GMDSS equipped.

If you are at sea and get into difficulty and you are unable to raise assistance, is there anyone ashore who knows what to do if you fail to return at your estimated time? Would a friend or relative know who to contact? Would they have sufficient detail about your vessel and your likely whereabouts to be able to assist the Coastguard to locate you? Would it not be a comfort to know that when you set out, the Coastguard has the details of your vessel on a database that is accessible to all Coastguard Co-ordination Centres throughout the UK so that they have the information they need to mount a search and rescue operation should you get into difficulty?

UK 406MHz EPIRB Registration

Search And Rescue Framework For The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland