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15. MAKING A DISTRESS CALL
The DISTRESS key is used to make a Distress call. A Distress call will send out the position
and time information from the input NMEA data along with your MMSI number. This
digital information lets other ships and shore stations equipped with appropriate DSC
equipment know where you are and that you are in a distress situation.
WARNING: Unless you need immediate help, NEVER use the DISTRESS key. Making a false
distress call using your radio is prohibited by law. Violators can face felony charges,
prosecution, significant fines, and/or incarceration.
NOTE: You can only initiate a Distress call when you have a MMSI assigned to your radio and
you have DSC enabled. See the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) section for more
information.
NOTE: Making one or more Distress calls creates a Distress Log. You can access the Distress
Log through the DSC Call Type List.
NOTE: For more information about using your radio in a distress situation and how to comply
with Coast Guard regulations, refer to http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/. Refer to
the FCC website: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ for general and technical VHF Marine Radio
license, specifications, and regulation information.
1. Open the red cover over the DISTRESS key.
2. Press the DISTRESS key momentarily. The text area of the LCD will reconfigure
to show the Distress submenu, shown below:
3. If you have enough time, rotate the CH/ENTER knob to select the type of Distress
call.
4. Hold down the DISTRESS key for more than 3 seconds, until you see the
DISTRESS CALL SENT message on the LCD. The entire LCD will flash and beep
loudly.
DISTRESS CALL
>UNDESIG
FIRE
FLOODING
COLLISION
GROUNDING
LISTING
SINKING
ADRIFT
ABANDONING
PIRACY
MANOVERBD
EXIT
DISTRESS CALL
>UNDESIG
COUNTING
DOWN…
DISTRESS SENT
AWAITING ACK
AUTO
RETRANSMIT