DSC is used in maritime communications to perform what function?

• A. Digital selective calling
• B. Digital signal control
• C. Data security coordination
• D. Direct satellite communications

Answer: (A)

DSC's purpose is to digitally alert and establish contact with a specific vessel or coast station by sending a coded selective call that includes the recipient’s MMSI. This lets the receiving station know exactly who is trying to call and what priority the call has (distress, urgency, or safety), so they can respond quickly without listening to broad voice calls. It streamlines setup for communications and reduces unnecessary chatter on the channel. The other options don’t describe this selective, machine‑readable calling function: digital signal control isn’t the established term for DSC, data security coordination isn’t what DSC provides, and direct satellite communications refers to a broader link rather than the targeted calling function DSC delivers.