■ DSC Distress operations

Distrss operation overview

GMDSS ships carry a DSC terminal with which to transmit the distress alert in the event of a life-endangering situation. A coast station receives the distress alert and sends the distress alert acknowledge call to the ship in distress. Then, voice or telex(NBDP) communication between the ship in distress and coast station (RCC : Rescue Coordination Center) begins.

Sending distressa alert using VHF, MF, HF according to the distance from shore.

1. Press VHF, MF or HF distress button by distance
2. Wait for the distress alert acknowledgement
3. Communication(Distress call and message) with the coast station by voice or telex communication

   

o. When ship is in distress(about 20~50 n miles from shore)

• After check ship's position, date and time, nature of distress(If need be)
• Press VHF distress button using CH.70
• If ship receives the distress alert acknowledgement from coast station
• Send distress call (MAYDAY) and message on Ch 16 

o. When ship is in distress(about 50~150n  miles from shore)

• After check ship's position, date and time, nature of distress
• Press MF distress button 
• If ship receives the distress alert acknowledgement from coast station
• Send distress call (MAYDAY) and message on 2182.0 kHz 

o. When ship is in distress(in the range of 76ºN ~ 76ºS)    

• After check ship's position, date and time, nature of distress
• Press HF distress button 
• If ship receives the distress alert acknowledgement from coast station
• Send distress call (MAYDAY) and message on the associated RTF(4/6/8/12/16mHz)
• RTF(Distress radio telephone frequency) 

o. When ship listing heavily or If HF transmission is impossible in the range of  76ºN ~ 76ºS

• Press Inmarsat-C distress button 
• Transmit distress message to the nearest RCC, NCS or coast station(within 200NM)