VHF Radio Procedures Distress Signal
1. If you have a DSC radio (digital radio with a distress button) the first action is to activate the
red button. This sends a signal to the coastguard that you are in distress, and newer models
will also send your position.
2. The next step is to make the verbal distress or urgency call. Channel 16 is the universal
emergency channel, constantly monitored by coastguards and other nearby vessels.
Transmissions on Channel 16 should only be used when necessary.
Sending an Undesignated Distress Call
When you send an undesignated distress call, the nature of your emergency is not transmitted to the
receiving stations. Sending an undesignated distress call is a faster procedure that can save you time
during an emergency.
1. Lift the spring-loaded door and hold DISTRESS for at least 3 seconds. The radio beeps and counts
down the seconds. DISTRESS CALL COUNTING DOWN appears on the screen.
2. The radio sounds an alarm, switches to channel 70, and transmits your call on high (25 W)
power. Press any key to silence the alarm sound. The radio tunes to channel 16 on high (25 W)
power.
3. Select PTT on the handset or radio to relay your distress message. The radio waits for an
acknowledgment (ACK) on channel 70 from a listening station.
Sending a Designated Distress Call
When you send a designated distress call, the nature of your emergency is transmitted to the receiving
stations.
1. Lift the spring-loaded door, and press DISTRESS.
2. Turn the SELECT dial, and select the type of distress call. TIP: You can select CLEAR to exit the
screen without sending a distress call.
3. Hold DISTRESS for at least three seconds. The radio beeps and counts down the
seconds. DISTRESS CALL COUNTING DOWN appears on the screen. The radio sounds an alarm,
switches to channel 70, and transmits your call on high (25 W) power.
4. Press any key to silence the alarm sound. The radio tunes to channel 16 on high (25 W) power.
5. Select PTT on the handset or radio to relay your message. The radio waits for an
acknowledgment (ACK) on channel 70 from a listening station.
Procedures for canceling false distress alerts.
If a distress alert is inadvertently transmitted, the following steps shall be taken to cancel the distress
alert.
VHF Digital Selective Calling
1. Reset the equipment immediately.
2. Immediately cancel the distress alert orally over the telephony distress traffic channel
associated with each DSC channel on which the distress alert was transmitted.
3. Set to Channel 16; and
4. Transmit a broadcast message to “All stations” giving the ship's name, call sign or
registration number, and MMSI, and cancel the false distress alert.
TRIAL TEST ON DSC VHF RADIO.
1. Select “Test Call” from the radio’s DSC menu,
2. Select the USCG number entered into memory, and
3. Transmit the call.
