Those new DSC VHF radios
By Ken Goodings, Registered Examiner, Marine Radio
If you attended a Boat Show recently and picked up one of those sexy new VHF
radios with the little distress button under a bright red protective door, then
you should apply for your free MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) This
unique number can then be permanently programmed into your new transceiver.
Without this MMSI number, your new radio won't be able to use any of the new DSC
features.
As many of you know, these new Digital Selective Calling radios will transmit an
automated digital distress signal. The data sent out contains the MMSI and also
your latitude & longitude if a GPS is wired to the radio. The MMSI contains of
all the personal contact data for you and a full description of your vessel.
This allows the Coast Guard, or any other similarly equipped vessel within VHF
radio range, to determine your vessel's description (and relative position if a
GPS is connected) without calling you back.
There's another bonus from having this MMSI serial number programmed into your
radio. You and your boating friends can call one another silently and discreetly
if you know their MMSI numbers. Just store your friend's number in your radio's
calling menu, and then electronically page their radios without ever calling on
VHF Ch-16. Your digital message will go out to them silently on the digital
Ch-70. When the called vessel pushes the "respond" button on their own
transceiver, both radios can automatically switch to an agreed voice channel,
ready to begin a conversation.
Unauthorized use of CH16 is jumped upon very quickly by police and Canadian
Coast Guard. So is over-use. I believe that very soon it will not be the calling
channel at all. Remember, if you're still using an older style marine VHF fixed
transceiver or marine handie-talkie, VHF Channel 70 has been reserved
exclusively for digital DSC communications. Ch-70 must never be used for voice
traffic.
Here is a link to the free MMSI application process. Information for pleasure
vessels will be found in the Annex A or Annex B sections, with short form
information in Annex E
http://sd.ic.gc.ca/engdoc/mmsi_forms.jsp
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