Marine Radio Communications,
GPS, EPIRB
If an emergency does occur, knowing how to communicate
distress messages and request assistance can make the
difference between life and death.
All regulated marine
distress and safety communication equipment, such
as
-
Marine VHF radio
(with the new digital selective calling option -
DSC - channel 70);
-
Marine MF/HF -
DSC radio;
-
Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB);
-
NAVTEX;
-
Immarsat,
work together to
form the new international system known as the Global
Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This
combination of equipment ensures that distress alerts are
quickly relayed to the Coast Guard and the vessels in the
immediate vicinity.
Although
recreational vessels are not required to carry
GMDSS-compatible equipment, it is recommended.
Further, if this type of equipment is carried, it is
beneficial to connect it to a Global Positioning System
(GPS) receiver to ensure that the exact location is
automatically transmitted in a digital distress
alert.
Marine (VHF) Radios
Marine VHF radio is generally the
most effective and reliable means of issuing a distress
alert. If you have a marine VHF radio, keep it tuned to
channel 16. Know where you are at all times and be
prepared to describe your location accurately.
Other boats close to you monitoring
channel 16 will know that you are in distress and may be
the first to render assistance. Also, the Coast
Guard may be able to use your VHF transmission to
determine your approximate location by using radio
direction finding equipment.
If you are purchasing a new VHF radio, it is
recommended that it includes the new Digital Selective
Calling (DSC) feature on channel 70. DSC is a new
feature that provides automatic digital distress
alert.
Digital Selective Calling equipment, a part of the
Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS), provides
all the functionality of voice-only equipment and,
additionally, allows several other features:
- a transmitter can automatically call a receiver
equipped with Digital Selective Calling, using a
telephone-type number known as a Maritime Mobile
Service Identity or MMSI. The MMSI is unique 9-digit number assigned to
each VHF radio and allows identification of the
registered owner of the equipment. The DSC
information is sent on the reserved Channel 70.
When the receiver picks up the call, the active channel
is automatically switched to the transmitter's channel
and normal voice communication can proceed.
- a distress button, which automatically sends a
digital distress signal identifying the calling vessel
and the nature of the emergency.
- a connection to a GPS receiver allowing the digital
distress message to contain the distressed vessel's
position.
It should be noted that a GPS receiver is navigation
tool that is subject to failure and not a substitute for
charts and local knowledge. The vessel operator
should be aware of the approximate location of the vessel
at all times by reference to charts and local
knowledge.
On a regular VHF radio, in case of grave and
imminent danger (for example, your boat is
taking on water and you are in danger of sinking or
capsizing) use channel 16 and repeat
"MAYDAY" three times. Then give the name
of your vessel and its position, the nature of your
problem and the type of assistance needed.
If you need assistance but are not in
immediate danger (for example, your motor has
quit and you are unable to get back to shore) use
channel 16 and repeat "PAN PAN"
three times. Then give the name of your vessel and its
position, the nature of your problem and the type of
assistance needed.
Frequency 2182 kHz (MF) may also be used for distress
calls.
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Remember: Channel 16 is used
for EMERGENCY and CALLING purposes only. Once
you have called another vessel on channel 16,
take your conversation to a working frequency
and continue. VHF channel 70 is only to be
used for DSC (digital) communication and not
for voice communications. Anyone who uses
a VHF radio must follow the procedures
described in the VHF Radiotelephone
Practices and Procedures
regulations.
Currently, all VHF radio operators are
required to have a restricted operator's
certificate (ROC) with maritime
qualifications. Contact your local
Industry Canada office or
the Canadian Power Squadrons at
1-888-CPS-BOAT for more information on
procedures and license requirements.
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Distress Signals
If you hear a distress signal, you are required by law
to determine whether you can assist those in distress
without endangering your own life or safety of your
vessel. Where possible, you must also contact the nearest
Rescue Coordination Centre to inform them of the type and
location of the distress signal you have seen.
It against the law to make a false distress signal.
False alarms commit search and rescue personnel
making them potentially unavailable or further away from
real emergencies.
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