If the
Auto channel change
function is enabled; 10 seconds after receipt of a distress call the radio
will automatically re-tune to channel 16. Otherwise the user is prompted to change channel manually.
The details of the distress call are recorded in the distress log and the envelope icon will flash to let
you know a message has been received. When connected to a
Raymarine
®
multifunction display
(
MFD
) the position data from the distress call can also be displayed in the Chart application.
When the received distress call is acknowledged by the CRS or by another station the radio will
resume normal operation.
Ignoring a distress call
You can ignore a distress call by muting the alarm and cancelling the distress call screen.
If your radio is already tuned to the priority channel then the
Ignore
option will not be available.
With an incoming distress call displayed.
1. Select
Ignore
from the options displayed.
Normal operation is resumed.
Acknowledging a distress call
Distress calls must only be acknowledged if the call continues without acknowledgement from a
CRS, you are close enough to the distressed vessel to be of assistance and are prepared to relay
the distress to a CRS by any means possible. Class D DSC radios are forbidden from automatically
acknowledging distress calls. Acknowledgement must only be made by voice message on channel
16.
After receiving a distress call that has gone unanswered:
1. Switch to channel 16 to listen for the distress voice message.
2. Wait for the CRS to acknowledge the call.
3. If the distress call is not acknowledged by another station then acknowledge the call as follows:
MAYDAY
(MMSI of the vessel in distress)
Name of vessel in distress
<repeated 3 times>
Call sign of the vessel in distress
This is
<MMSI of your vessel>, <name of your vessel repeated 3 times> <call sign of your vessel>
RECEIVED MAYDAY
4. You MUST then notify the shore authorities by any means possible to relay the distress call.
Manually relaying a distress call
A distress relay should only be sent if: the person or vehicle in distress is unable to transmit the
distress call itself, for example red flares sighted at night or the person or vehicle in distress is out of
range of a CRS and you have already acknowledged the distress by voice message. You can also
relay a received distress relay alert manually if it goes unanswered.
1. Switch to channel 16
2. Slowly and clearly speak the details of the distress:
MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY
This is
<MMSI of your vessel, name of your vessel repeated 3 times and your call sign>
Received the following MAYDAY from
<MMSI of vessel in distress, name of vessel in distress,
call sign of vessel in distress>
Message begins
Message received from vessel in distress or details of the distress
Message ends
OVER
Distress relays sent by other stations
When a Coast Station or another vessel, has received, and acknowledged a DSC distress alert it may
transmit a distress alert relay to other vessels in the immediate area.
Distress relays sent from other stations can be received by the radio.
Digital selective calling (DSC)
97
