Thanks for mentioning that Arnd. It's an important point and I was aware of it.

I decided that if I ever hit that DSC button, I would mainly be hoping that someone near enough to receive the signal might respond, and be guided to my position by the GPS coordinates that my radio transmits. I realize that my identifying information will not be in the international database.

Given that the only international sailing I ever intend to do is in the relatively benign conditions of the BVI, I feel that's a reasonable compromise. Especially since the FCC does not seem to offer any solution for a handheld VHF, not associated with a particular boat, that is to be used internationally. At least according to this Coast Guard page.

Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />