You know your VHF radio is a lifeline aboard your boat. But by using a radio with Digital Select Calling, you dramatically increase your safety on the water.

Marine radios equipped with DSC make your VHF radio work more like a telephone.

It allows boaters to send a digital call directly to another DSC-equipped vessel or shore station, much like a person-to-person telephone call. Channel 70 has been set aside as the VHF/DSC digital call channel.

Once the DSC call has been confirmed, both parties are automatically switched to a working voice channel. In an emergency, one push of a button and your DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert consisting of your identification (MMSI) number, and position (if your radio is linked to a GPS receiver) to other DSC-equipped vessels and rescue facilities.

For more, check the Coast Guard page on marine radios.