Quote:
Originally Posted by kjbathe
Has anyone used the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature on the lake? Does Marine Patrol have the capability to monitor DSC Distress Calls and collect GPS positions?
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No, the Marine Patrol HQ does
NOT monitor Marine Channel 70 for DSC distress calls. They are not DSC capable. Last season they said that DSC was in discussion but no DSC as of May 1, 2008. Last season Tow Boat US and Sea Tow were not using DSC.
Several times during the summer of 2007 I scanned through channel 70
(the channel exclusively for DSC use) and I heard a few data transmissions. So some folks are using DSC around Winnie. I also heard a lot of voice chatter on Ch 70 which could block DSC signals. Some people just don't know (or care) what channel assignments are for and what non-commercial channels they should use.
Imagine the possibilities if we all had Marine VHF with DSC and GPS. You can locate your friends boat in seconds if your friend wants you to "see" him. Technology exists that could allow everyone to see the location of other boats (even kayaks) within radio range.
Safe boating.