Reed's VHF DSC Handbook [Paperback]

'This is the second edition of this clear and easy to understand
reference work on VHF and DSC. A comprehensive but straightforward guide
which, with many more rescue authorities around the world relying more and
more on DSC for initial contact, is really a must have on board.' --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

'This user-friendly guide gets marne VHF radio users quickly up to speed in using both the analogue and digital functions on the radio.' Boat Mart 'This is the second edition of this clear and easy to understand reference work on VHF and DSC. A comprehensive but straightforward guide which, with many more rescue authorities around the world relying more and more on DSC for initial contact, is really a must have on board.' Gaffers Log 'In the usual Adlard Coles style, it is clearly and simply illustrated and very cleverly explained. A great reminder of all the theory and procedures relating to modern day usage of this still important medium.' Ausmarine (March 2007) 'User-friendly... a valuable on-board reference and aide-memoire. An essential companion when upgrading to a DSC VHF.' World Cruising Club Magazine (Spring/Summer 2007) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

The Reed's VHF DSC Handbook is a user-friendly guide that gets marine VHF radio users quickly up to speed in using both the analogue and digital functions on the radio. Sue Fletcher's straightforward explanations and tips describe the leisure craft VHF DSC radio system in detail and its place within GMDSS. Since it was first published it has become the standard work on the subject. It provides: all the information required to pass the Short Range Certificate (SRC) - compulsory for anyone using a VHF DSC radio. Radio procedure, channel allocation, VHF radio theory and more; a full explanation of GMDSS, including details on EPIRBs, SARTs and Navtex; and a valuable onboard reference. The rescue authorities and commercial maritime world now rely almost entirely on DSC for initial contact, so if you need help and want to be heard, a marine VHF DSC radio is essential. 'If you are looking for just one book to explain all marine VHF operating code and procedure, you need look no further...Packed with hints, tips and sound advice, it explains, in the clearest possible way, all one could wish to know about VHF, present and future.' Yachting Monthly --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

RYA's recommended text for the GMDSS Short Range Cert.
Reed’s VHF DSC Handbook - Author’s Review

On 1st February 1999 the world will adopt the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System - GMDSS. This means that the way distress will be signalled from now on will be digitally and to join the system will require a new radio and a new operator’s certificate.

Being a radio instructor myself, I saw the need for a book that lays out clearly the brave new world of marine radio for the small craft boater. My research for the book led me to be invited onto the European Working Group to assist in the specification of the leisure craft radio and procedures for its use. As a result the book has been selected by the Royal Yachting Association’s training division as the recommended text for the UK’s Short Range Certificate, the new GMDSS operator’s licence.

The book is divided into two parts: 1. Radio Theory which covers the principles of GMDSS, the VHF DSC radio, EPIRBs, Navtex, SARTs, batteries, antennas, radio signals and VHF channel allocation. 2. Radio Practice encompasses routine radio procedure, programming the radio , distress, urgency and safety working, all with sample screens that display the information as you would see it on a DSC radio.

Included at the end of each part of the book are a total of 75 questions with answers to help you to determine your level of understanding.

Throughout there are ‘Tips’ on how to get more from your radio and the whole text is written with the layman in mind. So there is minimal jargon and plenty of clear diagrams and tables to describe some of the more technical parts of the syllabus. There is a great deal of useful information that you will find invaluable once you have obtained your licence and it will be a helpful book for ‘brushing-up’ your radio procedure at the start of each new boating season.

Sue Fletcher is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, nautical author and Principal of Chichester Maritime, an RYA training centre. She was invited by the MSA to assist in the specification for the leisure craft radio and procedures. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.