Alfredo Contaldovideo
VHF DSC RADIO what is it how to use the VHF in voice and DSC - GMDSS - SRC guide to using the radio
15 January 2025 · 31 min · 34K views
What this video covers
Marine VHF radio operation requires adherence to specific protocols for both voice communication and Digital Selective Calling (DSC). Vessels navigating beyond 6 nautical miles from the coast must carry a VHF radio, which may be fixed or handheld.0:41 Effective range depends on antenna height and transmission power, which is adjustable from 1 to 25 watts.2:07 Operators should use the minimum power necessary for the distance to avoid interfering with distant distress signals.12:11 Routine calls between vessels or to marinas must occur on working channels, never on channel 16, which remains reserved for distress, urgency, and safety traffic.10:47 Operators should observe the three-minute radio silence periods at the start of every half-hour.13:20
DSC-equipped radios, identified by a dedicated distress button, utilize the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).19:38 This digital protocol requires a unique nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and an Short Range Certificate (SRC).19:53 In an emergency, the DSC distress button automatically transmits the vessel's identity, GPS coordinates, and nature of distress to all stations in range.25:18 Following a DSC alert, the operator must provide further details via voice.25:29 If a vessel intercepts a distress call that receives no response, the crew should relay the message as a Mayday Relay.18:30
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