Basic radio communication procedures – NASA SX 35 DSC User Manual

Page 10

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SX 35 DSC

BASIC RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES

Distress or emergency calls may be made either manually or automatically.
Sending distress calls automatically uses the Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
functions of your transceiver and requires an operating and properly con-
nected navigation receiver. The following procedures are for sending voice
distress messages manually. Sending an automatic distress call is described
in the DSC section of this manual.

Using Channel 16

Channel 16 is the Calling and Distress channel. An emergency may be de-
fined as a situation that threatens human life or property. In such situa-
tions, make sure your transceiver is turned On and set the channel selector
to Channel 16. Then use the following procedure to make a distress call.
The total transmission should not exceed 1 minute.

1. Press the microphone Push To Talk button. Speak slowly and clearly

into the microphone: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is your
vessel’s name, your vessel’s name, your vessel’s name”.

2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, your vessel’s name”.

3. Continue by reporting your position in latitude and longitude or by

reporting your bearing (true or magnetic, specify which) and dis-
tance from a prominent or well known landmark, geographic fea-
ture or aid to navigation.

4. Explain the nature of your emergency (fire, sinking, collision,

grounding, health condition, injury, etc.).

5. Report the kind of assistance you require (fire, medical aid, pumps,

etc.).

6. State the number of people aboard and the condition of any injured.

7. Estimate the seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.

8. Describe your vessel: length, type, color and any distinguishing fea-

ture.

9. End the message by saying “Over”. Release the Push To Talk but-

ton and listen for a reply.

10. If there is no reply, repeat the above message procedure. If there is

still no response, try another channel.

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