Section 5 - Sending And Receiving Dsc Calls; What Is Dsc; Sending Dsc Calls - Lowrance Link-5 VHF User Manual

Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls

A valid USER MMSI must be entered into this radio before these DSC functions can be

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 Mari-
time Organization) and is part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
Currently, you are required to monitor the VHF 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 functionality, 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

Press CALL to show the types of DSC call that can be made.
The following options are available through CALL key:
INDIVIDUAL
LAST CALL
GROUP
ALL SHIPS
CALL LOG
DISTR LOG
SENT CALL
LL REQUEST
DSC TEST
MMSI/GPS
30
used. See 4-2 Enter Your USER MMSI (USER MMSI).
Make a individual call or acknowledgement to a new caller or a
buddy. See Section 5-2-1, 5-2-2, and 5-2-3.
Show the details of the most recent incoming call.
See Section 5-2-4.
Make a call to one of your three groups.
See Section 5-2-5.
Make an All Ships call.
See Section 5-2-6.
Show the details of the 20 most recent incoming calls.
See Section 5-2-7.
Show the details of the 10 most recent distress calls.
See Section 5-2-8.
Show the details of the 20 most recent sent calls.
See Section 5-2-9.
Request the LL position of a buddy.
See Section 5-2-10.
Make a DSC TEST call.
See Section 5-2-11.
Show the programmed MMSI and GPS information
See Section 5-2-12.
Lowrance - Link-5 Operation and Installation Instructions
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