MARINE MODE PAGES AND FEATURES > DSC
Understanding Distress Calls
When the GPSMAP 296 receives a Distress Call from a connected DSC enabled VHF radio, an alert message and notification page appear, and an alarm tone is sounded. Distress Calls are shown in the DSC Call List, and Log with a checkered symbol.
You also have the ability to input a caller’s name, if it is known. The caller’s name replaces the MMSI number as a reference when entered.
Understanding Position Reports
A Position Report is similar to a Distress Call except no alarm is sounded. Position Reports are not broadcast to all DSC users and are shown with a boat symbol.
Receiving DSC Calls
Each time you receive a Distress Call or Position Report, a Notification page appears, and the call is placed in the DSC Call List and Log. The Notification page contains information about the call including: the type of call (distress or position report), the MMSI number of the caller, a user definable name, the time and date of the call, the Bearing and Distance from your current location, and
the coordinates of the caller. To see the callers location on a map, select the Show Map button. To create a waypoint at the callers location, select the Create Wpt button. To close the Notification page, press the QUIT key.
When a Distress Call or Position Report is placed in the Call List and Log, the information on the Notification page is retained. To review a DSC call or log entry, highlight the entry and press ENTER. The DSC Entry Review page is identical to the Notification page with one exception, the entry can be deleted.
To review a call or log entry:1.Open the Call List or Log from the DSC tab.
2.Press up or down on the ROCKER to highlight the call you want to review.
3.Press ENTER to open the DSC Entry Review Page.
DSC Entry Review Page
92 | GPSMAP 296 Pilot’s Guide |