What is the Dual Watch (DW) function used for?

The Dual Watch (DW) function is designed to allow a user to actively listen to a selected channel while also periodically monitoring Channel 16, which is the international distress frequency for marine communication. This feature is particularly important for ensuring that users can stay informed about emergency communications on Channel 16, without sacrificing their ability to communicate on their preferred channel.

In practice, this means that while a user is engaged in a conversation or monitoring a particular frequency, the radio will automatically switch to Channel 16 at regular intervals to check for any urgent messages or distress calls. This dual capability enhances safety and ensures that users are not completely disconnected from emergency traffic while they are actively using their radio equipment.

The other options describe functionalities that do not align with the primary purpose of the Dual Watch feature. Monitoring multiple channels sequentially or listening only to specific channels without the periodic check on Channel 16 misses the critical aspect of surveillance of distress communications, which is the essence of the Dual Watch function.