Two observations? 1.) 15 steps is probably way, way too much for most people to deal with in a real emergency. 2.) Having numeric digits in your boat name seems like it could create some confusion in an emergency call scenario such as this.

You've got far too new and fantastic of a boat to not have a VHF capable of AIS/Distress calling with the press of a single button!

 

Amen! My wife was actually happy I spent money...on the new radio with the gps/distress built in once I explained it all to her.

 

As a person who boats in a variety of waters, one advantage of VHS over Rescue 21 is VHS goes out to all Boaters with VHF radios monitoring channel 16.

In an boating emergency, I would want response time over anything else.

But then again, I believe professionals built the Titanic and armatures built the Arc.

 

As a person who boats in a variety of waters, one advantage of VHS over Rescue 21 is VHS goes out to all Boaters with VHF radios monitoring channel 16.

In an boating emergency, I would want response time over anything else.

But then again, I believe professionals built the Titanic and armatures built the Arc.

Not sure what you're trying to say with regard to VHF versus Rescue 21 but there's obviously some confusion. Maybe I can help clear it up. For those who don't know the term Rescue 21, it's the Coast Guard's advanced command, control, communications and direction finding system developed and deployed throughout the US to located mariners in distress. It is the heart of the Coast Guard rescue operations and saves lives daily. The system has been integral to over 100,000 SAR operations since it's deployment in 2005. If you have a DSC equipped VHF radio, Rescue 21 records your location the moment you key the mic. No system is a replacement for good emergency procedures, but Rescue 21 is one of those behind-the-scenes capabilities that greatly improves accuracy and efficiency when it's needed most.

 

Guys, in this context, you're actually referring to the functionality of DSC, not AIS.

Equipment that transmits AIS signals is still relatively expensive, but the good news is, that doesn't matter. DSC is what enables the "Distress" function, and DSC radios are CHEAP!

If your VHF isn't DSC-capable, throw it away and get one that is. Then make sure it has either built-in GPS or is attached to a source of GPS position data and program it with an MMSI.

 

Quite right...sorry for the bad info. Last year I picked up the Standard Horizon 1700. DSC....no AIS. Looks like the 2200 has AIS for $100 more.

 

Not sure what you're worried about...your boat will never sink with that many PFDs on board!

Just for comparison, this is what I did.

 

Yep - it's certainly possible. The problem with that they may not be in a position/situation to help, so the distressed vessel risks rejection and losing precious time.

 

Good tip.

I recently bought a used Garmin MFD, so it was assigned to someone's account. Garmin's policy was simple and fair: they attempt to contact the registered owner. If that person doesn't respond or deny the transfer in a given time window, they release it. Boat US should do the same, but maybe there's too much "government" involved to make something simple/convenient.

 

So, to answer the op's original question.

N 44° 37' 22" W 085° 22' 24" = North forty four degrees, thirty seven minutes, twenty two seconds by West Zero Eight Five degrees, twenty two minutes, twenty four seconds.

 

Hey @techmitch - some devices (Like the Bad Elf GPS PRO) show location like this:
33.983341° N
118.448265° W

In that case would you say “thirty three point nine eight three three four one degrees North by one hundred eighteen point four four eight two six five degrees West”?

 

I appreciate the feedback from everybody. Incorporating feedback received by @Stee6043 , @Fat Tony , @iBoat Skipper Doug , @RollerCoastr , @gmacd81 and @ttmott I updated the instructions to take into account the DSC distress button feature of my iCom radio. As mentioned previously the MMSI has been re-registered through Boat US with my contact information after the eventual cooperation of the previous owner. Here are the revised instructions:

 

Side point... On many GPS machines, you can select how you want to display the coordinates. If your machines allow that, you may be able to "sync" them. Would certainly make things a little easier.

Good thread, though. Thanks for starting it. Got me thinking about making up a cheat sheet, as well.

 

I installed an Icom M400BB just for this reason, including getting the GPS and MMSI#. I wanted 1 button simplicity for the wife.

However, this thread has been very educational in regards to what happens behind the scenes with this radio. Additionally, I hope you don't mind if i lift some of your cheat sheets for my Ops manual!

 

On a side note, but important to us inland boaters. Does this work on inland lakes? I've been told that the local DNR and water patrols here in GA prefer cell calls. I find that a little suspect, as the cellular 911 has known issues with location that cant be better on the water than on land.

I have been a proponent to dock mates that a VHF is a better way to get immediate help. At least on Lake Lanier I think there is limited use of VHF in general, either due to old equipment, failure to turn it on and monitor, or they are not even installed.

I think I need to investigate this a little more.

 

Here you go Dave
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtNds