Boatowner's Guide to GMDSS and Marine Radio Marine Distress And Safety Communications in the Digital Age

What every boater should know about using marine radios for emergency assistance and enhanced safety at seaThe new Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is revolutionizing emergency communications and international search-and-rescue at sea. In recognition of this leap forward, all new marine radios are now equipped with digital selective calling (DSC).The Boatowner's Guide to GMDSS and Marine Radioexplains clearly and concisely how this revolutionary maritime 911 equivalent works and describes the enormous advantages of digital VHF radio for ordinary communications with fellow boaters.This authoritative guide shows you how to use Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to send an emergency message that will automatically communicate your identity and position and repeat itself every four minutes. This not only frees you to pump water, make repairs, fight a fire, or prepare a life raft, but it also takes the "search" out of search and rescue.This book along with the included DSC marine radio simulator on CD-ROM shows you how to:Send emergency messages via VHF, single-sideband, or satellite relay Communicate with ships you want to avoid or whose assistance you need Call specific boats using digital selective calling Set your digital receiver to "ring" so you'll be alerted to incoming callsUnited States Power Squadrons Staff is the author of 'Boatowner's Guide to GMDSS and Marine Radio Marine Distress And Safety Communications in the Digital Age', published 2005 under ISBN 9780071463188 and ISBN 0071463186.