Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
For Example
The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond:
Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair.”
Vagabond: “Corsair, this is Vagabond. Reply 72 (or any proper working channel).”
Corsair: “72” or “Roger”
■After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its call sign or vessel name and switch to Channel 16.
NOTE
For best sound quality at the station you’re calling, hold the microphone/speaker at least two (2) inches [five (5) cm] from your mouth and slightly off to one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
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Digital selective calling is a
DSC will eventually replace aural (listening) watches on distress frequencies and will be used to announce routine and urgent maritime safety information broadcasts. Until DSC is fully implemented, it is still necessary to maintain a listening watch on Channel 16.
The DSC system allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS position coordinates (requires a GPS receiver to be connected to the radio) to the Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission.
DSC also allows mariners to initiate and receive distress, urgent, safety, routine, position request, position send, and group calls between vessels equipped with DSC capable radios.
Maritime Mobile
Service Identity (MMSI)
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
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An MMSI is a nine (9) digit number used on a marine radio capable of using digital selective calling (DSC). It is used to selectively call other vessels or shore stations and is similar to a telephone number.
For your CobraMarine™ radio to operate in the DSC mode, you must enter your maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) number. See page 51 for instructions on how to enter it.
The MMSI Number Is Available In The U.S.A. From Any Of Three (3) Sources:
■BoatU.S.:
■Maritel:
■Sea Tow International:
In Canada, Contact:
■Industry Canada Spectrum Management Office (only available on the Internet):
To Obtain An MMSI Number Outside The U.S.A.:
Users can obtain an MMSI from their country’s telecommunications authority or ship registry. This may involve amending or obtaining a ship station license.
WARNING
This equipment is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and safety signal to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety device, this equipment must be used only within communication range of a
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8 English | Nothing comes close to a Cobra® 9 |
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