What is the default SMC level for DSC distress calls on the VHF band?

• A. Cams
• B. District
• C. Sector
• D. Local

Answer: (C)

Distress alerts sent by DSC are routed to the appropriate command center based on geographic responsibility, so the default path on the VHF band is the Sector level. The Sector Rescue Coordination Center is the closest authority with immediate SAR obligations for a defined coastal area, so sending the distress there enables the fastest, most direct response with the right local assets. If more resources are needed or the situation crosses sectors, the alert can be escalated to a District or higher as required. Local is more about harbor-area coordination, and a term like Cams isn’t part of the standard routing, so Sector best fits the default for VHF DSC distress.