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FREE DSC Registration

	A VHF radio is a very important safety tool. We, at Sea Tow, recommend that every boater who is venturing out into navigable waters have a fixed-mount VHF installed on his or her vessel. In the event of an emergency, boaters in your immediate area can hear your calls - as well as the Coast Guard and other local authorities. A cell phone only provides one-on-one communication while a VHF can be heard by many. If you are considering the purchase of a new VHF radio, we would suggest that you get one that is DSC capable. The Coast Guard, at this time, is NOT monitoring the DSC channel (channel 70). They will begin upgrading their VHF system in 2003 and are scheduled to have the entire system completed by 2006.
	A major improvement in VHF technology is DSC or Digital Selective Calling. DSC capable radios permit, among many other features, a "touch-of-a-button" emergency call that is transmitted to all other DSC radios in the area automatically and includes your position information (when interfaced with a GPS), your unique MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number and can even transmit the type of distress. If another vessel's DSC radio is connected to a compatible chart plotter, your position will be displayed as an icon on the chart plotter's screen, showing distance and heading to get to you. When the Coast Guard does initiate their DSC system, an emergency call that they receive can be interfaced with the MMSI database and your personal information quickly retrieved.
	An additional Benefit to DSC technology is the ability to contact another vessel directly through the use of its MMSI number. This will help reduce the congestion that currently exists on Channel 16. You'll be able "dial direct" to other vessels in your area.
	Sea Tow has been authorized by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Communications Commission to issue MMSI numbers to vessels that are not required by law to carry a radio, and do not make international voyages or communications. Sea Tow is responsible for relaying the MMSI registration information to the U.S. Coast Guard for search and rescue purposes. The agreement between the USCG, the FCC and Sea Tow is limited to registering DSC radios on recreational vessels only - those not otherwise required to have an FCC ship station license ("voluntarily equipped"). Vessels required to have a radio on board should obtain an MMSI from the FCC.
	If you've already been issued an MMSI number by Sea Tow, visit www.seatow.com to make any changes.

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