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Rescue 21 for Boaters

Digital Selective Calling

No new equipment is needed for you to benefit from Rescue 21.  The new system will increase the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to distress calls in the coastal zone. However, you can help us improve response time by using a marine-band VHF-radio equipped with digital selective calling (DSC).

If properly registered with a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and interfaced with GPS, the DSC radio signal transmits vital vessel information, position, and the nature of distress (if entered) at the push of a button. In an emergency, with one push of a button, your DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert containing your MMSI number and position to other DSC-equipped vessels and rescue facilities. DSC will provide a quicker and more accurate response by the Coast Guard. For more information on Digital Selective Calling check out:

• DSC Operational Procedures for Ships (information on how to transmit DSC alerts/messages and how to test your equipment)
• DSC: Coast Guard's Navigation Center (provides DSC special notices and alerts and background information)
• Can You Hear Me? (video from the Boat Owners Association of the Unites States)
• "DSC VHF Radios " (article from the Boat Owners Association of the United States )
  
• "Technology Update - Digital Selective Calling Radios" (article from BoatSafe.com)

Get your MMSI Number

The Boat U.S. and Sea Tow MMSI Programs have been certified by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Coast Guard. To obtain and register your MMSI number, the Coast Guard recommends logging onto http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm and following the instructions.

Vessel Safety Check

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is available to help local boaters ensure their radios are in good working order. You can log on to http://www.safetyseal.net/GetVSC to schedule a vessel safety check in your local area. Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiners can educate boaters on the importance of properly connecting  GPS to your VHF-radio to ensure the DSC position capability functions properly. They will provide helpful literature and direction regarding registration of MMSI information.  It is recommended that boaters contact a marine electronics professional should technical assistance be needed in accomplishing the interconnection.

Sending a DSC Message to Coast Guard Sectors

DSC distress alerts will be received by the Coast Guard when Rescue 21 is fully operational in your area. Listed below are the MMSI numbers for Rescue 21 deployed Sectors/Groups. These numbers can be used to send a DSC message directly to a Coast Guard Sector/Group.

Sea Area 1 will not be declared until Rescue 21 has reached Full Operational Capability.

* Actual miles covered are slightly lower due to two outstanding towers in Sector North Carolina and Sector Northern New England. Planning for outstanding towers is in progress.