Correct hailing procedure is to state the name of the boat you are hailing (usually on channel 16), then the name of your boat, followed by “over.”

“Over” tells the other party you have finished speaking. This is impor­tant because if both radio operators transmit at the same time, neither will be heard. Only one party can speak at a time. Any other words—”yoo hoo” or “Is anybody out there?” – constitute incorrect procedure.

Once you’ve established contact, switch to a working channel. Once you’ve switched to a working channel, say the name of the boat you are hailing followed by the name of your boat. At the end of your conversation, say your boat name and “out” or “out, (your boat’s name), returning to 16.”

2. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

DSC is a semi-automated method of establishing a ra­dio call simply by pushing the distress button.

When the DSC button is activated, the radio automatically sends a distress call with GPS position (when a GPS is connected to the transceiver) and the nature of the distress to the Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission.

It then scans the appropri­ate channels for a response. DSC also allows users to immediately receive distress, urgent, safety, routine, position requests, and group calls from other DSC­ equipped transceivers within range. Every radio equipped with DSC must have a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number assigned to it.

A ra­dio’s MMSI is a unique nine-digit number (similar to a telephone number) that must be programmed into the radio and registered to operate the DSC functions.

3. To Make a DSC Distress Call

A)  Lift the protective cover over the distress button and press and hold the button until the radio’s display shows that the call has been sent.

B)  Once the mes­sage has been sent, the transceiver will sound an au­dible distress alarm.

C)  The transceiver will automati­cally monitor channel 70 for a DSC acknowledgment and will also receive calls on channel 16.

D)  If no DSC acknowledgment is received, the transceiver will repeat the distress call at four-minute intervals until acknowledgment is received.

F)  When the DSC acknowledgment signal is received, an alarm sounds, channel 16 is automatically selected, and the radio’s LCD screen shows the MMSI of the responding trans­ceiver.

E)  If the Distress button was pushed in error, many radios will cancel a distress call when the Clr and then Ent buttons are pushed.