Digital Selective Calling (Dsc) - Garmin GPSMAP 376C Owner's Manual

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

DSC uses marine VHF radio 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 their positions. When you receive a DSC position, you can
create a waypoint or to show the received position 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 position of the caller.
The rescuer can then navigate (Go To) the caller's position 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 in their database while in transit to the caller's location.
Any time a vessel receives a DSC call, the vessel can store that
location and quickly navigate to that position using a Go To. This
makes DSC a time-saver, especially in an emergency situation. To
use DSC, users must first register their VHF radio with the FCC and
receive a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.
GPSMAP 376C Owner's Manual
A
PPendIX
What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
Number?
MMSI 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 MMSI number, users must register their
VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply this
number.
For more information regarding MMSI numbers, visit
uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm.
How Are MMSI Assignments Obtained?
Non-commercial users, such as recreational users, who remain
in United States waters and only carry VHF, EPIRB (Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and Radar are not required to
have a FCC ship station license. The FCC and Coast Guard have
authorized some second and third-party vendors to assign MMSI
numbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vessels
only. To receive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSI
number, contact www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm or http://
wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.
> d s c (dsc)
IgItAl electIve AllIng
www.navcen.
127