The Case for DSC

There is no question that GMDSS has a big part to play in improving safety at sea. Firstly a vessel’s position and the time are automatically included in distress and urgency alerts if a DSC radio set is interfaced with a GPS navigator (if it isn’t, the position can be manually input). Secondly, a digital alert is more certain of reaching a maritime rescue centre than voice transmission, having a 15 per cent greater range and not being prone to misunderstanding. Thirdly the increasing use of the digital broadcasting channel, Ch70, should free up Ch16 for use during an emergency which will still be available for making contact.

07/11/2003