Standard Horizon HX-870 - Manual (Page 38)

Page 38 HX870
10 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC)
10.1 GENERAL
WARNING
This HX870 is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and
safety call to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety
device, this equipment must be used only within communication range
of a shore-based VHF marine channel 70 distress and safety watch
system. The range of signal may vary but under normal conditions
should be approximately 5 nautical miles.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a semi-automated method of establishing a
radio call, it has been designated by the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) as an international standard for establishing VHF, MF and HF radio
calls. It has also been designated as part of the Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS). It is planned that DSC will eventually replace aural
watches on distress frequencies and will be used to announce routine and
urgent maritime safety information broadcasts.
This system allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS position
(when connected to the transceiver) to the Coast Guard and other vessels
within range of the transmission. DSC will also allow mariners to initiate or
receive Distress, Urgency, Safety, Routine, Position Request, and Position
Report, Automatic Position Polling, and Group calls to or from another vessel
equipped with a DSC transceiver.
10.2 MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI)
10.2.1 What is an MMSI?
An MMSI is a nine digit number used on marine transceivers capable of using
Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone number
to selectively call other vessels.
THIS NUMBER MUST BE PROGRAMMED INTO THE RADIO TO OPERATE
DSC FUNCTIONS.
How can I obtain an MMSI assignment?
In the USA, visit the following websites to register:
http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/
https://www.seatow.com/tools-and-education/mmsi
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations
In Canada, visit
http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/smt-gst.nsf/en/sf01032e.html