Everything you need to know about Handheld DSC Radios

With the increase of small boat owners taking to UK waters, including kayakers, jet-skiers, dinghy sailors and now paddleboarders, there has been pressure from within the marine industry to produce a specification that would allow these new users to have a portable VHF/DSC device.

Handheld DSC radios are an extension of their fixed variants that have been around for the last decade providing a wider range of users with an extra level of safety at sea.

DSC handheld VHF marine radios bought in the UK can be used throughout Europe. However, the register of licensing information held by OFCOM about the user and their radio is only effective in UK territorial sea (e.g. within 12 nautical miles of low tide or for example half-way across the English Channel to France.) You can still use the radio and all its features across the continent but each member state you visit will not hold this information.

A DSC handheld radio works just like a standard VHF handheld, but with a couple of additions. A DSC handheld has a red emergency button. By pressing and holding the button for 3 seconds you can send an emergency distress signal to the Coastguard and other vessels in your area equipped with DSC radios. If you have time, you can select the type of emergency from an on-screen list of options. The screen will confirm that the help message with your coordinates has been sent, and then automatically switch the radio to Channel 16, where rescuers will try to contact you by voice.

DSC radios are not just for emergencies, they are also very useful for group communications. Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers of other DSC radios can be entered and stored in your radio’s address book. Select a name from the address book of someone you want to call, each name has a corresponding MMSI number. His or her radio will start ringing with an alert tone and automatically switch to the same channel as your radio. You can start chatting. Plus, if you and other members of your group are monitoring Channel 16, you will not have to first hail one another on 16 before switching to another channel.

You can also request the position co-ordinates of any radio listed in the address book. If in range, the other radio will reply by showing its latitude, longitude, distance and bearing on your radio’s screen. The radio can also serve as a GPS and indicate a course to the other DSC-equipped unit. (NB: DSC does not provide continuous tracking, so if the other radio is moving, you’ll need to make multiple position requests to get the current coordinates.)

Handheld DSC radios have their own, unique MMSI number format. Because handheld DSC’s can be carried from ship to ship, they must not be programmed with a ship’s MMSI*. Anyone who already holds a Ship Portable Radio Licence can go onto the OFCOM website and simply add VHF DSC handheld to their list of equipment. Licences are free of charge if issued online.

If you would like to know more about our DSC Handheld VHF radio, please visit our IC-M94DE VHF/DSC product page.

*Guidance may be different in other countries. Please check your governing body for more information.