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Digital selective calling (dsc), Appendix – Garmin GPSMAP 296 User Manual

Page 151

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Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses marine VHF radio and Global

Positioning System (GPS) technologies to transmit and receive

location information. DSC is used by mariners to assist them in two

major areas: Distress Calls and Position Reporting.
A non-emergency DSC Position Report allows mariners to exchange

and show the locations of one another. When you receive a DSC

location, you can create a waypoint or to show the received location

on an electronic map.
An emergency DSC Distress Call allows a vessel in trouble to

transmit a substantial amount of information in a single transmission

or “call,” without the need for voice communication. When any

nearby rescuer receives the DSC signal, an alarm sounds and they

immediately receive the location of the caller.
The rescuer can choose to navigate (Go To) the caller’s location to

assist or forward the call on to the Coast Guard. When the Coast

Guard receives the call, they can immediately access the caller’s

information (such as who they are and the type of vessel) in their

database while they are in transit to the caller’s location.

Any time a vessel receives a DSC call, they can store that location

and quickly navigate to that location using a Go To. This makes

DSC a time-saver, especially in an emergency situation. In order to

use DSC, users must first register their VHF radio with the FCC and

receive a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.

What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity

(MMSI)?

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) basically allows a VHF

radio to act like a phone. The 9-digit MMSI number acts like a

phone number when used in a Position Report and as a unique

identifier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency Distress

Call. To obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number,

users must register their VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605).

Garmin does not supply this number!
For more information regarding MMSI’s visit

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm

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GPSMAP 296 Pilot’s Guide

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ELECTIVE

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ALLING

(DSC)