Icom Marine VHF Distress Call — Response Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

'Distress Call' on Icom marine VHFs indicates either you sent a distress call (intentional or accidental) or you received one from another vessel.
If you sent it accidentally, cancel immediately (Menu → DSC → Cancel Distress) and announce cancellation on channel 16.
If you received a distress, switch to channel 16 and listen — assist if you're nearby, or relay if necessary.
Don't ignore distress messages.

Affected Models

Icom IC-M510
Icom IC-M605
Icom IC-M93D
Icom IC-M37

Common Causes

Distress button held — distress sent intentionally
Distress button bumped accidentally
Distress call received from another vessel
Test distress (which should never be sent)

How to Fix It

Determine: sent or received?

Look at the radio display.
If it shows a distress call from your MMSI to all stations, you sent it.
If it shows a distress call from a different MMSI, someone else sent it and you received it.
The action depends on which case you're in.
If you sent accidentally: cancel.

Menu → DSC → Cancel Distress.
The radio sends a cancellation DSC.
Then transmit on channel 16: 'This is [vessel name], cancelling distress alert sent at [time]. No emergency. Apologies.'
The Coast Guard records the cancellation.
Don't be embarrassed — false alarms happen, just cancel promptly.
If real distress: switch to channel 16.

Channel 16 is for voice communication after a DSC distress.
The rescue coordinator (Coast Guard or another vessel) will call you on 16.
Speak clearly: vessel name, position, nature of distress, persons aboard, injuries.
Stay on channel 16 for follow-up communication.
If you received another vessel's distress: listen and assist.

Switch to channel 16.
Listen — Coast Guard typically takes the lead.
If you're close to the distressed vessel and can render aid, monitor and offer assistance through Coast Guard coordination.
Don't independently respond unless coordinator asks.
Don't power off the radio.

Whether you sent or received the distress, keep the radio powered on and tuned to channel 16.
Coordination of the response continues via radio.
Powering off disrupts the rescue or follow-up.
Stay engaged until the Coast Guard or rescuer signs off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't know the distressed vessel's location?

DSC distress calls include position automatically (if GPS is connected to the radio).
The position appears on your radio display.
If no position is included, the rescuer (Coast Guard) handles location through voice communication and direction finding.
Don't try to navigate to an unknown position alone.

Is it OK to ignore distress calls?

Legally and ethically, no.
Marine distress calls require all who hear them to acknowledge and respond if able.
The Coast Guard typically handles response, but if they're delayed and you're closest, you have an obligation to render aid if safe to do so.
Stay on channel 16 to listen for coordination.