Benefits to Boaters
Digital Selective Calling
No new equipment is needed for you to benefit from Rescue 21. The new system will increase the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to distress calls in the coastal zone. However, you can help us improve response time by using a marine-band VHF-radio equipped with digital selective calling (DSC). If properly registered with a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and interfaced with GPS or Loran, the DSC radio signal transmits vital vessel information, position, and the nature of distress (if entered) at the push of a button. In an emergency, with one push of a button, your DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert containing your MMSI number and position to other DSC-equipped vessels and rescue facilities. DSC will provide a quicker and more accurate response by the Coast Guard. For more information on Digital Selective Calling check out the video, Can You Hear Me?
The Boat U.S. and Sea Tow MMSI Programs have been certified by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Coast Guard to assign MMSI numbers to vessels with DSC capable radios. To obtain and register your MMSI number, the Coast Guard recommends logging onto http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/
or http://www.seatow.com/boatingsafety/mmsiinfo.htm and following the instructions. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is also available to help local boaters ensure their radios are in good working order. You can log on to
http://www.safetyseal.net/GetVSC
to schedule a vessel safety check in your local area. The Coast Guard Auxiliary also assists with properly connecting GPS or Loran to your VHF-radio to ensure the DSC position capability functions properly.
DSC distress alerts will be received by the Coast Guard when Rescue 21 is fully operational in your area. Listed below are the MMSI numbers for Rescue 21 deployed Sectors/Groups. These numbers can be used to send a DSC message directly to a Coast Guard Sector/Group.
| Rescue 21 VHF DSC MMSI Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Sector/Group | MMSI |
| Astoria | 003669910 |
| Baltimore | 003669961 |
| Delaware Bay | 003669905 |
| Hampton Roads | 003669922 |
| Jacksonville | 003669962 |
| Long Island | 003669931 |
| Miami | 003669919 |
| Mobile | 003669914 |
| New Orleans | 003669908 |
| New York | 003669929 |
| North Bend | 003669911 |
| Port Angeles | 003669904 |
| St. Petersburg | 003669917 |
| Seattle | 003669938 |
| Portland | 003669937 |