How many total frequencies are designated for DSC Distress alerting?

The total number of frequencies designated for DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerting is indeed seven. This includes a specific frequency that is used for the automatic transmission of distress alerts.

The primary frequency utilized for DSC distress alerting is 2187.5 kHz in the medium frequency band. Additionally, there are frequencies in the VHF band that are also designated for distress calling, particularly the VHF channel 70, which is exclusively reserved for DSC communications.

Moreover, various frequency bands may have additional dedicated DSC distress alerting frequencies, which contributes to the total count. Each designated frequency plays an essential role in ensuring that distress signals can be transmitted and received effectively across different maritime communication systems, reinforcing the importance of having multiple options to enhance the reliability and reach of distress communications in emergency situations. This redundancy ensures that vessels can alert others in the event of a distress situation, improving safety across maritime operations.