Bear in mind that DSC controllers use different procedures for
composing the alert (e.g. to change the nature from undesignated to
something more specific, or to update the position) -and that all DSC
Controllers are fitted with a 'Distress Button' that you will use to
transmit the Distress Alert.
Some units only require you to push that button to send an
alert, whilst others require you to push two buttons simultaneously.
Some controllers only require a single push of the button(s) whilst
others give a 5-second countdown. Once started, your alert will be
repeated at intervals of 3.5-4.5 minutes unless you press the 'stop/
cancel' button, or until a DSC Distress Acknowledgement is received.ChI6 Voice Distress Procedures - Example - Sea Area Al
Vessel in Distress is M/V justina, callsign GJUS, MMSI
- Coast Station is Falmouth Coastguard, MM SI 002320014.
Vessel' Wizard callsign GWIZ is also in the vicinity.
Mayday Mayday Mayday this is Motor Vessel Justina, Justina, Justina
Mayday - M/ V Justina - call sign GolfJuliet Uniform Sierra - MMSI 232456789
Position 50 degrees 22 minutes North 005 degrees 50 minutes West
Fire in engine room - Require Immediate Assistance - 25 Persons on Board -
Over
Mayday JustinaJustinaJustina
This is Falmouth Coastguard, Falmouth Coastguard, Falrnouth Coastguard
Received Mayday
The initial voice procedure shown above will get your voice
Distress CALL ('Mayday Mayday Mayday this is Motor Vesselfustina,
justina,justina') and Distress MESSAGE ('Mayday - M/V justina-
callsign GJUS - MMSI 232456789 - Position ... Problem ... 'ReqUire
Immediate Assistance', and any other information, including number
of persons onboard, weather conditions etc) out on Channel 16 for
the coast station/MRCC, or any other vessel in the area, to receive.
The MRCC will co-ordinate the Search and Rescue (SAR)
operation, tasking shore-based rescue units including helicopters and
lifeboats. They will also co-ordinate the involvement of any other ships
at sea who respond to the Distress Message and indicate that they are
able to assist.76 THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE