NorthStar Navigation 710 VHF Sending and Receiving DSC Calls, Sending DSC calls

Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls

These DSC facilities are available only on the VHF 710US and VHF 710EU models, and a valid user MMSID must have been entered to access the DSC functions.

5-1 WHAT IS DSC?

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It has been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and is part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).

Currently, you are required to monitor Distress Channel 16, but DSC will eventually replace listening watches on distress frequencies and will be used to broadcast routine and urgent maritime safety information.

DSC enables you to send and receive calls from any vessel or coast station that is equipped with DSC func- tionality, and within geographic range. Calls can be categorised as distress, urgency, safety, or routine, and DSC selects a working channel automatically.

5-2 Sending DSC calls

DSC CALL >INDIVIDUAL

LAST CALL

GROUP

1.Press CALL MENU to show the types of DSC call that can be made.

Note: Only four DSC call types can be shown at any one time on the screen.

2.+ or - to scroll up and down the DSC call types until the cursor is positioned at the desired option. then press ENT. the DSC call types are:

	Make a routine call or acknowledgement to a new caller or a buddy.
INDIVIDUAL	See Section 5-2-1, 5-2-2, and 5-2-3.
	Show the details of the most recent incoming call.
LAST CALL	See Section 5-2-4.
	Make a call to one of your three groups.
GROUP	See Section 5-2-5.
	Make an All Ships call.
ALL SHIPS	See Section 5-2-6.
	Show the details of the 20 most recent incoming calls.
CALL LOG	See Section 5-2-7.
	Show the details of the 10 most recent distress calls.
DIST LOG	See Section 5-2-8.
	Request the LL position of a buddy.
LL REQUEST	See Section 5-2-9.

26 Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual