The Boatowner's Guide to GMDSS and Marine Radio

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ForewordPrefaceChapter 1: What is GMDSS?Communications at Sea: A Brief HistoryEvolution of GMDSS What Makes GMDSS a Superior System?Sea AreasChoosing the Correct BandWhen Will GMDSS be Activated?Chapter 2: VHF-DSC OutfittingFeatures of VHF-DSCChoosing a VHF-DSC RadioRegistering Your RadioThe Ship Station LicenseInstalling a VHF-DSC RadioTesting DSC CapabilitiesChapter 3: VHF-DSC Use – Routine CommunicationsMaritime Radiotelephone FrequenciesWatch RequirementsCalling FrequenciesSelecting the Working ChannelProcedures for Calling—VoiceProcedures for Calling—DSCProcedures for Fleet Calling—DSCChapter 4: VHF-DSC Use—Emergency ProceduresA Digital Distress Broadcast is the Most Efficient Way to Call for AssistanceThe Undesignated Distress AlertThe Designated Distress AlertAcknowledging a Distress AlertRelaying a Distress CallCanceling a Valid Distress AlertCanceling a False Distress AlertMaintaining Radio SilenceDirection FindingPrudenceClosure of a Distress SituationUrgency and Safety AlertsChapter 5: Port Operations – Voice, Digital and AIS SystemsCoping with Crowded Harbor TrafficChannel 13Channels 06 and 22AThe Automatic Identification SystemChapter 6: MF/HF Services for Sea Areas A2 and A3Boating Further OffshoreCalling and Distress FrequenciesDistress and Calling ProceduresChapter 7: Inmarsat, NAVTEX, SafetyNET and Amver for Sea Area A3Inmarsat NetworkNAVTEXSafetyNETAmverChapter 8: EPIRBs, SARTs and Other Useful ToolsThe Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)Personal Locator and Man Overboard BeaconsSearch and Rescue TranspondersAppendix 1. VHF Radiotelephone Frequencies – United StatesAppendix 2. VHF Radiotelephone Frequencies—CanadaAppendix 3. VHF Radiotelephone Frequencies—InternationalAppendix 4. MF Single-sideband Marine Radiotelephone FrequenciesAppendix 5. HF Single-sideband Marine Radiotelephone ChannelsAppendix 6. Emergency Radio ProceduresAppendix 7. Mayday Template GlossaryReferencesIndexAbout the US Power SquadronsCD-ROM Instructions