SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-dsc-red-button

To send a DSC distress alert on a properly set-up marine radio, what do you do?

Press the red DSC distress button for 5 seconds.

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  1. Say 'Mayday' once on channel 9
  2. Press and release the red button once
  3. Hold the red DSC distress button for 5 seconds ✔

Why: If your DSC radio is connected to GPS and has a registered MMSI, holding the red distress button for 5 seconds sends your boat's ID and position automatically. Then talk to the Coast Guard on channel 16.

Huh, didn't know that: If you send a DSC alert by mistake, cancel it on the radio before powering off, or it may keep transmitting.

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Why do boaters respect the red button? One long press says it all.
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References

Answer: Hold the red DSC distress button for 5 seconds. If your DSC radio is connected to GPS and has a registered MMSI, holding the red distress button for 5 seconds sends your boat's ID and position automatically. Then talk to the Coast Guard on channel 16.

  1. A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (USCG) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    you need only press the red DSC Emergency Call Button for 5 seconds.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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