DSC PROCEDURES FOR VHF AND MF

Transmission of DSC distress alert A distress alert should be transmitted if, in the opinion of the Master, the ship requires immediate assistance. A DSC distress alert should include the ship’s last known position and time in UTC.

The DSC alert is transmitted as follows: Tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel (MF kHz, VHF channel 70) If time permits, select the nature of distress The ship’s last known position Time in UTC Type of subsequent distress communication Transmit the DSC distress alert Prepare for the subsequent distress traffic by tuning the radiotelephony transmitter to the distress traffic channel in the same band. (2182 kHz on MF, channel 16 on VHF while waiting for the distress acknowledgement.

Actions on receipt of a distress alert Wait for the coast station to acknowledge first. If the alert is still continuing, acknowledge the distress alert and inform Coast Station or RCC Tune the radiotelephony receiver to the distress traffic in the same band.

Transmission of a DSC distress relay Tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel (MF kHz, VHF channel 70) Select the distress relay call format Key in - All ships call (VHF); Geographic Area Call (MF/HF); or Coast Stations MMSI. Station in distress MMSI, if known. The nature of distress, position and time if known. Type of distress communication Transmit the DSC distress relay call Prepare for the distress traffic while waiting for the acknowledgement.

Cancellation of an inadvertent distress alert A station transmitting an inadvertent distress alert shall cancel the distress alert: Immediately cancel the distress alert aurally over the associated telephony distress channel Monitor the associated telephony distress traffic channel and respond to any communications concerning that distress alert as appropriate.

All stations All stations All stations This is BRUNITA, BRUNITA, BRUNITA CALLSIGN LKFE, MMSI In position 14°34’ N 120° 23E Please cancel my distress alert of 23 Feb, 0400H UTC Date and Time 23 of Feb., 0500H UTC Master MV BRUNITA Callsign LKFE

Transmission of urgency messages The broadcast of an urgency message is carried out on a DSC urgency call: Tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel (MF kHz, VHF channel 70) Key in - All ships call (VHF) or Geographic Area Call (MF/HF) or individual call The category of call (urgency) Working frequency or channel Type of communication Transmit the DSC urgency call

Transmission of safety messages The broadcast of a safety message is carried out on a DSC safety call: Tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel (MF kHz, VHF channel 70) Key in - All ships call (VHF) or Geographic Area Call (MF/HF) or individual call The category of call (safety) Working frequency or channel Type of communication Transmit the DSC safety call

DISTRESS URGENCY SAFETY IMPORTANT SHIP TRAFFIC ROUTINE Public Correspondence The Public correspondence is carried out on a DSC routine call: Tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel (MF kHz, VHF channel 70 or the coast station’s working frequency) Key in the MMSI of a particular station to be called The category of call (routine) Working frequency or channel Type of communication Transmit the DSC routine call

Repeating a DSC Call DSC Call for public correspondence may be repeated on the same or another DSC channel/frequency, if no acknowledgement is received within 5 min. Further call attempts should be delayed at least 15 min, if acknowledgement is still not received. DSC Test call

DSC PROCEDURES FOR HF

Transmission of DSC distress alert DSC distress alert should be sent to coast stations A3 and A4 sea areas on HF. Propagation characteristics of HF radio waves should be taken into account in choosing HF bands for transmission of DSC distress alert kHz may in many cases be an appropriate first choice. Transmission of the DSC distress alert in more than one HF band will normally increase the probability of successful transmission..

The HF DSC distress alert Tune the transmitter to the HF DSC distress frequency (4207.5, 6312, , 12577, 0r kHz) If time permits, select the nature of distress The ship’s last known position Time in UTC Type of subsequent distress communication Transmit the DSC distress alert Prepare for the subsequent distress traffic by tuning the radiotelephony transmitter to the appropriate distress traffic frequency in the same band while waiting for the distress acknowledgement.

HF Distress and Safety calling Frequencies DSC (kHz) Telephony (kHz) Radiotelex (kHz)