Rules of the Road · Distress Signals

The DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alert on VHF Channel 70 is a recognized distress signal under which Annex IV provision?

Explanation

Annex IV paragraph 1(o), added by amendment, covers 'distress alerts sent via GMDSS equipment including DSC on VHF, MF/HF, and satellite.' DSC on Channel 70 sends a digital distress alert automatically to nearby vessels and coast stations equipped with GMDSS receivers. This modernized the original Annex IV signal list to incorporate GMDSS technology.

Authority: 72 COLREGS Annex IV, paragraph 1(o)

Practice the full Rules of the Road bank

Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2190 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.

Related Rules of the Road questions