Modern marine radios now feature Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for routine operations and for automated distress hailing. These features can only be used if your radio is programmed with a unique code called a Maritime Mobile Service Identity, or MMSI.

Click on the button below to go to the USPS portal to obtaining a MMSI for your vessel at no charge. The issued MMSI will be unique to your boat and must be programmed into all of your DSC Radios.

If you want more information on using a DSC radio and its capabilities, our Squadrons offers a 2 hour public seminar on Using VHF/ VHF DSC Marine Radio.

Rescue 21, which includes full time monitoring of the DSC system will be activated in our the Oregon and Southwest Washington areas scheduled in June or July of 2008.