How often do you use DSC or Ch16...?

[doneill]

In April's Letters, a reader suggests yachtsmen don't use DSC or Ch16 as often we think because they prefer to use mobile phones instead.
So, why not join in our poll and tell us how often you actually do use DSC or Ch16...?

 

[Seajet]

I did the VHF course a long time ago, then when DSC came along did the course and exam, got the ticket.

I don't remember a thing about it now !

I think DSC is one of the worst things inflicted on boat owners, I treat the VHF just like an old style thing I could actually communicate with and now have the VHF turned off most of the time to avoid the bleeping alarm, which can't be good for safety.

Years ago we were alerted by Solent Coastguard to search for a lady who'd been knocked overboard by the boom; nowadays I probably wouldn't even be aware of the message.

 

[prv]

I very rarely have any need to call anybody, by ch16 or DSC. I would use DSC if I had the number for the station I was calling.

Pete

 

[emsworthy]

Used ch16 just once last year to let Solent Coastguard (and anyone else listening) know that we had engine failure in the Cowes approaches and that we were alright but dropping the hook in a slightly unusual place whilst we fixed it.

Weekly radio checks on 16 not included of course!!

 

[Seajet]

Most of the use of VHF is listening, not calling; for example I always listen to Channel 11, QHM, when near Portsmouth entrance to find if any big fast ships - especially ferries - are approaching in or out, same goes a bit further West for Channel 12, VTS to find big ship movements in or out of Southampton.

 

[jerrytug]

16 every time I go out,and always tuned in to 16. DSC now and again,but I am glad to read every alarm in case I can help. Of course I wouldn't be able to help stubborn donkey luddites as I wouldn't know about their troubles nor they of mine.

 

[sailorman]

I do not have DSC but a fine & trusty, Icom Euro 56

 

[Zen Zero]

Our radio's natural state is OFF. I know this is naughty but it makes so much noise it's distracting and annoying!

 

[Koeketiene]

In April's Letters, a reader suggests yachtsmen don't use DSC or Ch16 as often we think because they prefer to use mobile phones instead.
So, why not join in our poll and tell us how often you actually do use DSC or Ch16...?

Who is 'us', new user?

FWIW: never called anyone using DSC - ever.
Would only use DSC to raise an alarm in a Mayday situation.

 

[KellysEye]

We have never used DSC but aways leave channel 16 on - coastguards giving the frrequency for a forecast, securite messages and we were called off Trinidad by a ship towing a two and a quarter mile array, to keep away. We have also been called by a cruise ship off Bonaire at night to say they are going to pass close but have us in sight.

 

[Seajet]

A Flight Test Observer I knew was being briefed on the reasonably complicated radio set in the Harrier aircraft; after listening to everything, he pointed to a control knob and asked, " What's this O.F.F. .Mode ? "

 

[aslabend]

I spent a (rainy) day last year entering coast guard dsc numbers into the memory of my radio but for why? I need glasses to read the screen on my set and by the time I've found those, gone through the menu and set up a call I could have flicked to ch67, waited as needed for the channel to clear, hailed said CG station and reported what i needed. All that done whilst standing up, keeping a lookout as opposed to bent double trying to go through a menu system. I get DSC for emergencies but just can't get my noodle round it for the day to day.

 

[ianj99]

Surely DSC comes into its own in conjunction with an AIS receiver?

 

[Zen Zero]

Would only use DSC to raise an alarm in a Mayday situation.

That's what you think! Actually every time you key the mike you're sending a DSC message with your MMSI identity and GPS position.

 

[aslabend]

That's what you think! Actually every time you key the mike you're sending a DSC message with your MMSI identity and GPS position.

Please explain?

 

[prv]

That's what you think! Actually every time you key the mike you're sending a DSC message with your MMSI identity and GPS position.

No you're not.

Pete

 

[A1Sailor]

Who is 'us', new user?

Welcome to the Forums.

+1 - who is "us"?

 

[chanelyacht]

I did the VHF course a long time ago, then when DSC came along did the course and exam, got the ticket.

I don't remember a thing about it now !

I think DSC is one of the worst things inflicted on boat owners, I treat the VHF just like an old style thing I could actually communicate with and now have the VHF turned off most of the time to avoid the bleeping alarm, which can't be good for safety.

Years ago we were alerted by Solent Coastguard to search for a lady who'd been knocked overboard by the boom; nowadays I probably wouldn't even be aware of the message.

DSC is one of the best things invented.

In the scenario you give, you would know about it. If the boat put out a DSC distress you would receive it, if it contacted CG direct and we needed other vessels' assistance, we would put out a DSC pan / mayday relay, then the voice bx on Ch16 follows as normal.

If you're in distress, hitting the red button means your call comes into us quicker, isn't overspoken, places your position instantly on our mapping, and brings up your vessel details. The call travels further too.

You wouldn't stand outside your house shouting "fire" in the hope you'd be heard would you?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

We generally monitor Ch 16 when on board, but transmit no more than two or three times a year.

 

[DJE]

...and now have the VHF turned off most of the time to avoid the bleeping alarm, which can't be good for safety.

My reaction too in the early days of DSC but now the alarms are much less frequent and generally less of a problem than the inane Solent chat on 16.