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You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operating
on another channel.
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False or fraudulent distress calls are prohibited under law.
Privacy
•
Information overheard but not intended for you cannot
lawfully be used in any way.
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Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
In Australia, any person operating a VHF marine radio should
possess at least a Short Range Operators Certificate of
Proficiency (SROCP) for VHF Radio Operations. Alternatively,
operators may choose to obtain a Long Range Operator
Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) which covers the operation
of both VHF and MF/HF equipment.
Many TAFEs and marine organisations offer courses leading
to examination for the SROCP and LROCP although such
courses are not compulsory. Persons wishing to obtain the
SROCP or LROCP should first purchase a copy of the Marine
VHF Radio Operators Handbook which is essential reading for
every boat owner in Australia.
The Australian Maritime College (AMC) provides the marine
examination and certificate service on behalf of the ACMA.
The AMC can provide the details of organisations and
individuals offering courses and or conducting exams. For
further information visit: www.amc.edu.au
If you have obtained the SROCP you can operate your VHF
radio under the maritime ship class licence. You do not need
to apply for a class licence or pay any fees.
If operating your VHF radio under the LRSOP you will need to
apply to the AMCA for a Maritime License.
In New Zealand, operators of a VHF marine radio require a
Maritime VHF Operators Certificate (MVOC) and a callsign.
Please refer to www.maritimenz.govt.nz for further details.
Courses for the MVOC can be arranged through www.
boatingeducation.org.nz.
G X 8 7 5
The range of VHF transmissions depends on antenna height,
transmitter power and the terrain over which the signals
pass. For a 5 watt handheld radio like the GX875, ship
to ship communications up to 5 nautical miles should be
possible. Using an external antenna should allow ship to ship
communication of 8 nautical miles or more. Ship to shore
ranges will often be greater due to the increased height of
the shore antenna.
MARINE MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY
The MMSI is a 9-digit number used to identify a radio that is
capable of using Digital Selective Calling (DSC). The number
is used to selectively call other vessels. To setup and use the
DSC feature on your radio: Please refer to the 'DSC' section
of this manual.
USER MMSI
To use the DSC feature you must be registered with the
appropriate licensing authority (AMSA in Australia) who
will issue you with your unique user MMSI number. Having
a registered user MMSI means you can be identified much
quicker in an emergency. Once you have obtained your MMSI
number you can then enter this into your GX875 to enable
DSC operation. Your GX875 is shipped from the factory
without a user MMSI number. It is up to the user to obtain a
valid MMSI from the appropriate licensing authority.
NOTE:
If you don't register for a User MMSI, you can still
receive DSC distress calls from other vessels however you
cannot send a DSC call.
GROUP MMSI
The Group MMSI is used for DSC Group Calls. A Group Call
provides a method for contacting a group of vessels with a
common interest, for example, alerting all yachts in a race to
announce a change in the race conditions. Any number with
a leading zero can be used as a Group MMSI, and they do
not need to be registered, but the entity deciding on a Group
MMSI must use the MID of the host country or country of
I N S T R U C T I O N M A N U A L
RANGE
(MMSI)
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