Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does the Coast Guard need to modernize the National Distress and Response System (NDRS)?

The nation's existing maritime search and rescue (SAR) communications system has been in operation since the early 1970s. Difficult to maintain, increasingly unreliable and prone to coverage gaps, this antiquated system no longer meets the safety needs of America's growing marine traffic. In addition, it is incapable of supporting the Coast Guard's new mission requirements for homeland security, which require close cooperation with Department of Defense agencies as well as federal, state and local law enforcement authorities. Modernizing this system enhances the safety and protection of America's waterways.

2. What components must be upgraded?

The existing NDRS will not be upgraded. Rescue 21 replaces the legacy system with new equipment and greatly enhanced capabilities.

3. What benefits will Rescue 21 bring?

Incorporates direction-finding equipment to improve locating mariners in distress(Contiguous 48 States, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Great Lakes)
Improves interoperability amongst federal, state and local agencies
Enhances clarity of distress calls
Allows simultaneous channel monitoring
Upgrades playback and recording feature of distress calls
Reduces coverage gaps for coastal communications and along navigable rivers and waterways
Supports Digital Selective Calling
Portable towers for restoration of communications during emergencies or natural disasters(Lower 48 States only)
Enhanced clear and protected communications with Coast Guard assets

4. Who is deploying Rescue 21 throughout the Coast Guard’s Area of Responsibility?

In September 2002, General Dynamics C4 Systems (GDC4S) of Scottsdale, AZ, was awarded the contract to deploy Rescue 21 throughout the Contiguous 48 States, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Great Lakes. In Alaska and the Western Rivers (Mississippi and Ohio Rivers), the Coast Guard is currently developing plans for system deployment.

5. When will the system be deployed?

Rescue 21 has been successfully installed in Sectors Mobile, St. Petersburg, Seattle, New Orleans, Delaware Bay, Long Island Sound, New York, Jacksonville, Hampton Roads, Miami, Baltimore, and Portland as well as Group/Air Station Port Angeles, Astoria and North Bend.
The Rescue 21 System is in Full Rate Production. .

6. Will boaters need to buy any new equipment?

7. Will Rescue 21 be capable of responding to cell phone distress calls?

Rescue 21 is a VHF radio-based system and does not replace cellular or mobile phone systems.
Rescue 21 provides full coverage out to 20 NM, whereas cell phones do not.
Cell phones are point-to-point transmissions that can only be received by a single party. Rescue 21 provides broadcast signals that can be received by other vessels / aircraft within range of the broadcast, thereby increasing probability of rescue.

8. Does the Coast Guard intend to replace Channel 16 communications with Digital Selective Calling?

The Coast Guard has no plans to replace Channel 16 as the primary method of distress notification. The Coast Guard will monitor Channel 70 (Digital Selective Calling channel) in areas with Rescue 21. If properly registered with a Mobile Maritime Service Identity (MMSI) number and interfaced with the vessel's GPS, a DSC radio signal transmits vital vessel information, position, and the nature of distress (if entered) at the push of a button.

9. Is Rescue 21 being deployed in Alaska?

Yes. However, the Coast Guard will deploy a modified system design that is better suited to the extreme environmental factors and unique geography of the Alaskan region. For example traditional direction-finding equipment is incapable of adequately addressing reflecting or “bouncing” of VHF transmissions in mountainous regions. Current sensor designs are also susceptible to damage from harsh elements. The Coast Guard continues to research alternatives.

10. How does Rescue 21 relate to the Coast Guard's Deepwater project?...Homeland Security?

Rescue 21 will form the backbone of the Coast Guard's short-range communications system. Deepwater will update and improve the capabilities of the Coast Guard's current fleet of ships and aircraft.

11. Will this system be interoperable with DOD?

The Rescue 21 System uses open architecture that has been designed to work with other agencies, including the DOD and civilian agencies using federal communications interoperability standards.

12. What are the potential environmental impacts of deploying the system?

The Rescue 21 system is subject to all provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as various other federal environmental regulations. The overall environmental impacts are expected to be minimal. Wherever possible, the Coast Guard will co-locate system hardware or use/modify existing structures. Only when that is not possible, will the Coast Guard consider construction of a new tower. The Coast Guard is committed to minimizing the impact of Rescue 21 deployment on migrating birds, wetlands, historic and cultural resources, and other ecologically fragile natural resources.

Last Modified 9/2/2008