VHF SRC Radio
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DSC Distress Alert
DSC Distress Alert. Practice maritime VHF scenario.
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Scenario briefing
Key teaching points
- Lift the red guard, press and HOLD the DISTRESS button for 5 seconds.
- The radio sends an automated alert on Channel 70, then switches to Channel 16 for voice follow-up.
- Always follow up with a voice MAYDAY on Channel 16 — DSC alone is not complete.
- DSC distress auto-repeats every 3.5–4.5 minutes until acknowledged by a coast station.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Tapping the button briefly — most radios require 5 seconds held to fire the distress.
- Sending DSC and forgetting the voice follow-up — coastguards need the voice for details.
- Pressing distress accidentally without cancelling — every accidental alert is a search-and-rescue event somewhere.
Why it matters
A DSC distress alert is the digital companion to voice MAYDAY — it sends an automated burst on Channel 70 containing MMSI, position and (optionally) nature of distress. Every modern VHF has a guarded distress button; using it correctly under stress is the SRC exam centrepiece.
Exam relevance
DSC distress procedure is the central technical skill examined in the VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC); GMDSS / STCW GOC candidates must demonstrate both alert and cancellation.
Related scenarios
About SkipperCheck simulators
SkipperCheck offers two browser-based maritime training simulators:
- ARPA · AIS · COLREG Bridge Simulator — 54 scenarios covering Rules 2, 5–10, 12–19, 23–30, 34 and 35.
- VHF SRC Radio Simulator — 15 scenarios: voice Mayday, DSC distress, Mayday Relay, Pan-Pan, Sécurité, routine.
Both run in any modern browser, on desktop or mobile. No install, no plugins.