AndCur
Member
I was wondering what the forums views are on DCS radios on small boats. I currently have a VHF,GPS etc but think it would be better to buy an EPIRB instead of a DSC radio.
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DSC radio worth buying
- Thread starter AndCur
- Start date
3reefs
Member
Here is a strong opinion (so I await the inevitable flak):
I agree with your approach: If buying an EPIRB anyway, get one that sends its position out, and wait until your VHF dies before replacing with DSC/GMDSS.
However, if you have a DSC radio, it should be OK to get an EPIRB that doesn't give your position out again.
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I agree with your approach: If buying an EPIRB anyway, get one that sends its position out, and wait until your VHF dies before replacing with DSC/GMDSS.
However, if you have a DSC radio, it should be OK to get an EPIRB that doesn't give your position out again.
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Chris_Stannard
New member
i would not agree with the second part of your argument. If the boat sinks and you are in the dinghy, the epirb will establish your position within three minutes (if fitted with GPS) whereas your DSC radio will have gone down with the boat. If you have been drifting for an hour or so at night whilst waiting rescue this could make the difference to your being found. an Epirb without GPS will give your position within about 40 minutes and cna be tracked by SAR helicopters and boats fitted with the appropriate kit, but it is not nearly so fast.
The DSC radio is necessary if you want to talk to merchantmen, so if you are crossing the channel and your engine breaks down and there is no wind, you need a DSC radio to tell the merchant fleet where you are so they can (hopefully) avoid you.
<hr width=100% size=1>Chris Stannard
The DSC radio is necessary if you want to talk to merchantmen, so if you are crossing the channel and your engine breaks down and there is no wind, you need a DSC radio to tell the merchant fleet where you are so they can (hopefully) avoid you.
<hr width=100% size=1>Chris Stannard
sailorman
Well-known member
i notice that merchant ships still seem to use ch 16. why change to d.s.c.
also why should we pay a "stealth tax" in the form of a "v.h.f. liecence".
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also why should we pay a "stealth tax" in the form of a "v.h.f. liecence".
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Oldhand
New member
Are you one of the frequent callers on chaneel 16? If so get DSC so we can have channel 16 for distress traffic as intended by GMDSS.
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Oldhand
New member
According to GMDSS, bridge to bridge traffic for the type of communication you suggest DSC is required, is supposed to be carried out on Channel 13 and a listening watch on this channel is supposed to be kept. If this was happening, which it isn't 'cauase I've treid it, DSC wouldn't be necessary for that purpose.
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