Flaws in the system - Part 3 - Solutions

Solutions, solutions ?

So, how do we come to terms with the HF DSC fiasco ?

A lot of the problem can be overcome by ships directing relays to specific coast stations, and by Coast Stations using the geographic addressing capability of the system.

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A ship receiving a HF DSC alert must:

1. WAIT and LISTEN on the corresponding radiotelephone or NBDP channel in the band in which the DSC alert was received.

2. If no communications can be heard from the ship in distress, and/or the ship in distress continues to send alerts, then the alert should be relayed to the nearest Coast Station - NOT TO ALL SHIPS.

Coast stations receiving a HF DSC alert out of their area must wait for a closer station to respond, rather than jumping in first.

DSC distress alert relays from Coast Stations should be addressed to a Geographic area around the distressed vessel's position, in the same way as an Inmarsat EGC message, not just broadcast to all ships.

Further, Coast Stations receiving a DSC alert from a bogus MMSI should not relay the alert, only acknowledge it to stop the offending equipment from sending any more.

(DSC distress acknowledgment messages automatically terminate the transmission of DSC distress alerts).

These simple steps will go a long way to improving the current chaotic situation with HF DSC.

The IMO has finally released DSC flow charts to serve as a simple guide for shipboard users. A link to these charts may be found at the bottom of the DSC page.

Whilst the charts are not as clear and simple as they might be, at least they are a step in the right direction.

And finally - how does the GMDSS affect recreational craft ?