Dan
Contributor
A good Tek Tip from Dive Gear Express, Nautilus Marine Rescue GPS on the original (old model with 2-way VHF radio) & new Nautilus Lifeline (without 2-way VHF radio and what I refer to it as MRG):
“The original Nautilus Lifeline Safety VHF Radio device is a battery-operated waterproof marine VHF radio that can be carried by divers and supports two-way voice communication. As part of the marine VHF radio functionality, the original Lifeline also includes the older Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature. DSC is a standard for sending pre-defined digital messages as part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. When sending a distress signal, the DSC device must include the ship's MMSI number. The Safety VHF Radio requires a radio operators certificate for non-emergency use and also requires an MMSI registration in order to enable the DSC feature. The device also needs to have the battery recharged via a USB cable every few months. The Lifeline Safety VHF Radio has been discontinued and is no longer available from the manufacturer.
The new Nautilius Lifeline Rescue GPS is a compact battery-operated waterproof marine emergency distress radio beacon that can be carried by divers and is depth rated to { 425 feet | 130 meters } with cap closed. It also supports the more recent Automatic Identification System (AIS) signalling functionally which includes your GPS coordinates and a Maritime Identification Digits (MID) user number that comes pre-programmed at the factory. The Rescue GPS device does not require licenses or registrations. The low-maintenance Rescue GPS is very small and the standard two CR123 batteries need only be replaced every five years.
Don't confuse either of the Nautilus Lifeline products with an EPIRB. The much larger EPIRB beacons are satellite transmitters with global reach and monitoring. The Lifeline devices are line-of-sight VHF radios that rely upon direct communication with marine VHF radios on vessels and shore base-stations up to { 34 mi | 55 km } distant.”
“The original Nautilus Lifeline Safety VHF Radio device is a battery-operated waterproof marine VHF radio that can be carried by divers and supports two-way voice communication. As part of the marine VHF radio functionality, the original Lifeline also includes the older Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature. DSC is a standard for sending pre-defined digital messages as part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. When sending a distress signal, the DSC device must include the ship's MMSI number. The Safety VHF Radio requires a radio operators certificate for non-emergency use and also requires an MMSI registration in order to enable the DSC feature. The device also needs to have the battery recharged via a USB cable every few months. The Lifeline Safety VHF Radio has been discontinued and is no longer available from the manufacturer.
The new Nautilius Lifeline Rescue GPS is a compact battery-operated waterproof marine emergency distress radio beacon that can be carried by divers and is depth rated to { 425 feet | 130 meters } with cap closed. It also supports the more recent Automatic Identification System (AIS) signalling functionally which includes your GPS coordinates and a Maritime Identification Digits (MID) user number that comes pre-programmed at the factory. The Rescue GPS device does not require licenses or registrations. The low-maintenance Rescue GPS is very small and the standard two CR123 batteries need only be replaced every five years.
Don't confuse either of the Nautilus Lifeline products with an EPIRB. The much larger EPIRB beacons are satellite transmitters with global reach and monitoring. The Lifeline devices are line-of-sight VHF radios that rely upon direct communication with marine VHF radios on vessels and shore base-stations up to { 34 mi | 55 km } distant.”