Benefits to 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 or Loran, 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 the video, Can You Hear Me?

The Boat U.S. and Sea Tow MMSI Programs have been certified by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Coast Guard to assign MMSI numbers to vessels with DSC capable radios. 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. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is also 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. The Coast Guard Auxiliary also assists with properly connecting GPS or Loran to your VHF-radio to ensure the DSC position capability functions properly.

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.

Rescue 21 VHF DSC MMSI Numbers
Sector/Group	MMSI
Astoria	003669910
Baltimore	003669961
Delaware Bay	003669905
Hampton Roads	003669922
Jacksonville	003669962
Long Island	003669931
Miami	003669919
Mobile	003669914
New Orleans	003669908
New York	003669929
North Bend	003669911
Port Angeles	003669904
St. Petersburg	003669917
Seattle	003669938
Portland	003669937
Key West	003669918
Houston/Galveston	003669915
Charleston	003669907
North Carolina*	003669906
Boston	003669901
Humboldt Bay	003669909
Southeastern New England	003669928
Northern New England*	003669921
Corpus Christi	003669916
All USCG coast stations in the United States	003669999
International MMSI number designated for all coast stations	009990000

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.

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Benefits to Boaters