What action should be taken upon receipt of a Distress alert transmitted by Digital Selective Calling (DSC)?

Upon receiving a Distress alert transmitted by Digital Selective Calling (DSC), it is crucial to set a watch on the DSC alerting frequency that corresponds to the band of frequencies utilized for the alert. This is because the DSC system operates on specific frequencies designated for alerting, such as VHF Channel 70 or MF/HF frequencies. Monitoring the correct alerting frequency allows responders to receive further automated messages related to the distress situation, such as the identity of the vessel in distress and its position.

This action ensures that you are positioned to hear any additional information or communications relevant to the distress call. In emergency situations, being on the correct frequency significantly increases the chances of receiving timely updates, which may inform your response actions.

While setting a watch on other related frequencies, like the radiotelephone distress frequency or maintaining a watch on VHF-FM Channel 16, are also important in maritime communications, the primary and most immediate action in response to a DSC distress alert is to monitor the specific DSC alerting frequency. This focused monitoring could mean receiving the distress information promptly, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of search and rescue operations.