The English Channel and North Sea are so busy we often have occasion to call a ship with whom we're on a close approach. DSC makes it quick and easy to confirm that they see us, and how they expect us to cross. There are also a lot of cable laying and seismic towing vessels around here, and it isn't always easy to figure out which way we should pass. We've been really impressed with how courteous and professional almost every ship we've talked to has been. The fishing boats, not so much. They often leave their AIS off until a really close call is at hand; apparently they feel a need to keep their fishing zones secret.