Sea Tow Automated Radio Check

[Wreckfish]

Maybe everyone knows this but it the first time I heard about it.

http://www.seatow.com/boating_safety/ARC.asp

In areas across the country, Sea Tow is offering boaters a new way to conduct radio checks that doesn't require help from other boaters or watch standers. To use Sea Tow's free Automated Radio Check service, simply tune your VHF radio to the appropriate channel for your location and conduct a radio check as you typically would. Upon releasing your radio's microphone, the system will play an automated message and relay your transmission back to you, thereby letting you know that boaters can hear you loud and clear.

They have service from Maine to Virginia.Here are some channel numbers for New Jersey.
SEATow Manasquan 24-
SEATOW northern New Jersey-27
SEATOW Atlantic City-26 S
AETOW central New Jersey-27
SEATOW Sea Isle-26
SEATOW delaware river26

[Reckless]

 Heard of it. Haven't used it yet though.

[Hotrod]

Very Cool

[Offshore Madness]

   never heard of it, but thanks to you i now have Awesome...Thank you Capt.

[Pops Soul]

Thanks Phil good info

[sealife]

To test the DSC function you can try this.  Works from Gulf of Mexico to Sandy Hook.


TowBoatUS Provides Free DSC-VHF Radio Checks For Boaters
In Gulf, FL, Atlantic Coast
New Service to Ensure Your High-Tech Radio is Working Properly


ALEXANDRIA, Va. June 18, 2009 – With some help from TowBoatUS companies on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts from Alabama to New Jersey, recreational boaters will now get peace of mind knowing they have correctly installed their new Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF marine radio - and it’s functional.  A free, DSC-VHF radio check service is now being offered under a single TowBoatUS digital hailing number, 0-338-04000, which allows boaters to easily call their local TowBoatUS tower for a complimentary DSC-VHF radio check.

The TowBoatUS 0-338-04000 MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number is available to boaters hailing from the Gulf Coast at Mobile, AL, Florida and the Atlantic coast up to Sandy Hook, NJ.  When this number is “dialed” on a DSC-VHF radio keypad, a boater will automatically be connected to the closest TowBoatUS port or response boat within radio range.

"By helping to ensure that this lifesaving device is working properly, we improve boaters’ safety.  That’s important to all of us," said BoatUS Vice President of Towing Services Jerry Cardarelli.

While nearly all fixed mount VHF radios sold today are DSC equipped, boaters have reported that it can be hard to complete a digital radio check unless they have the MMSI of another boater.

DSC-VHF radios offer significant safety improvements over a standard VHF radio.  A DSC-VHF includes a mayday distress button that allows anyone on board to summon emergency help.  When connected to a GPS, the radio will give rescuers your exact location information.

In addition, these radios work seamlessly with the US Coast Guard’s modern “Rescue 21” system, now operating on the Gulf Coast, Florida and Eastern seaboard up to Long Island, NY.  More regions are scheduled to get Rescue 21 service throughout 2009-2011.  The system already has proven to greatly reduce search times for boaters seeking rescue.  These new radios also offer more improved telephone-like enhancements, such as “direct” calling.

If you’d like to learn more about DSC-VHF radios, go to the free, online DSC-VHF tutorial at http://www.BoatUS.com/mmsi where you can also register to receive an MMSI number for your own DSC radio.

[SurfJockey]

Was on a shakedown cruise on my buddy's boat yesterday afternoon.  He didn't know if his radio was working or not.  We tuned to 27, requested a radio check, and sure enough, it was working.  Cool feature. 

[Maritime Matt]

  Hat's off to Sea Tow for this service. I heard about it through the local Sea Tow Cap down my way here in Mystic. You also here yourself making the request for the radio check. Great for audio and signal check.
Matt

[paul-e]

 

[Offshore Madness]

    it works awesome tried it friday a few times.Its nice to know ur radio works when fishin the ocean.Thanks sea tow for doin this and thanks to my fellow capt. on NJSWF for informing me!

[Scott G.]