DSC, AIS, ARC (Boating Secrets:127 Top Tips Book 8)

Robin G. Coles interviews Captain Chris Kourtakis about Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), and Automated Radio Checks (ARC). How they work and why registering your devices is important. In this book you'll pick up the following key points:

- Channel 70 is the dedicated channel for DSC on your VHF radio.
- If you hear an emergency on the radio, it’s a law that you must respond as long as it does not put your vessel in harm’s way.
- Channel 16 is to be used for emergencies only.
- Make sure you register your DSC equipment and update that information if/when you sell your boat.
- DSC is for life-threatening emergencies only.
- If you’re renting your boat out for a season to another owner/operator, you should change the MMSI number registration to reflect their contact information.
- The biggest difference between Class A and Class B AIS is the transmissions—Class A transmits every 2 seconds and Class B transmits every 30 seconds.
- AIS depends on a GPS unit and the electronic navigation charting system.
- AIS and DSC are life and time savers in emergencies.
- Don’t forget to go online and get your MMSI number.