Standard Horizon Distress Call Acknowledged — Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

'Distress Call Acknowledged' is what your VHF shows when a Coast Guard or other vessel has acknowledged your DSC distress call.
This is good — help is coming or being coordinated.
Switch to channel 16 immediately for voice communication with the rescuer.
Stay calm, give your position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, and any injuries.
Don't disconnect or power off the radio.

Affected Models

Standard Horizon GX1850
Standard Horizon GX2200
Standard Horizon GX6000
Standard Horizon HX870

Common Causes

Distress button held and DSC call sent (intentional)
Accidental distress button press (unintentional but radio sent the call)
Coast Guard or another vessel received and acknowledged the distress
Test distress call (which should never be sent — only real distress)

How to Fix It

Switch to channel 16 for voice.

Channel 16 is the international hailing and distress voice channel.
The rescuer expects to hear from you on channel 16.
Press the channel 16 button (most VHFs have a dedicated button) and prepare to speak.
Speak clearly when called.

When you hear the rescuer call your vessel name or MMSI, respond.
Speak clearly: 'This is [vessel name]', then describe the situation.
State your position (latitude/longitude or nearest landmark), nature of distress (sinking, fire, medical, etc.), number of persons aboard, and any injuries.
Don't power off or disconnect.

Keep the radio on and on channel 16.
The rescuer may need to call back with updates or instructions.
Powering off cuts coordination of the rescue.
Even after speaking, monitor channel 16 for follow-up communication.
Cancel false alarms immediately.

If the distress was accidental (button bumped, child playing), cancel immediately.
On Standard Horizon: Menu → DSC → Cancel Distress.
Then transmit a voice message on channel 16 stating 'This is [vessel name], cancelling distress alert sent at [time]. No emergency. Apologies.'
The Coast Guard will note the cancellation.
Cooperate with rescuers.

If a real emergency, follow the rescuer's instructions.
They may ask you to switch to a different channel, deploy flares, or take specific actions.
Stay on the radio for coordination.
Don't try to make decisions independent of the rescue coordinator — they have the bigger picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I sent distress accidentally?

Immediately cancel via the radio menu (DSC → Cancel Distress).
Then speak on channel 16 stating you're cancelling, and apologize.
The Coast Guard will note it and may follow up to confirm you're truly OK.
Don't ignore false alarms — they tie up rescue resources.

How do I send a distress call deliberately?

Lift the protective cover over the red distress button.
Hold the button for the prescribed time (usually 3-5 seconds).
The radio sends DSC distress with your MMSI, position (if GPS connected), and nature of distress (if you've selected it).
Then switch to channel 16 for voice.
Only use in genuine life-threatening emergency — false distress is a serious offense.