Why is it important to have the VHF DSC controller linked to the GPS receiver on board?

A. Linking GPS reduces battery drain on the DSC controller

B. The GPS link only enables the DSC individual call function — position is not transmitted in distress alerts

C. GPS link is required by law for all DSC radios — an unlinked radio is illegal

D. When linked, the DSC distress alert is automatically populated with the vessel's current GPS position — without this link, the Coastguard receives a distress alert with no position, dramatically slowing the SAR response

A. To operate the radar system remotely

B. To broadcast weather forecasts to other vessels

C. To make telephone calls from the vessel to shore

D. To send a digitally coded distress alert containing the vessel's MMSI and position automatically to all DSC-equipped stations and the Coastguard

A. Maritime Mobile Service Identity — a unique 9-digit number identifying the vessel; without it a DSC distress alert cannot identify the vessel to rescuers

B. A GPS waypoint identifier used in coastal navigation

C. A VHF channel number allocated by Ofcom for distress use only

D. A vessel survey certificate number required by the MCA