Section 5 - Sending And Receiving Dsc Calls; What Is Dsc; Maritime Mobile Service Identity; How Can I Obtain A Mmsi Number - Simrad HH36 User Manual

Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls

5-1 What is DSC?

DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF ra-
dio calls. It has been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime
Organization) and is part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
Currently, you are required to monitor 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.

5-1-1 Maritime mobile service identity

An MMSI is a nine-digit number used on Marine Transceiver capable of using Digital
Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone number to selectively call
other vessels.

5-1-2 How can I obtain a MMSI number?

You must obtain a user MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity) and enter it into your HH36
in order to use the DSC functions. Contact the appropriate authorities in your country. If
you are unsure who to contact, consult your Simrad dealer.
The user MMSI is a unique nine digit number, similar to a personal telephone number. It is
used on marine transceivers that are capable of using DSC (Digital Select Calling).
Depending upon your location, you may need a radio station license for the HH36. You
may also need an individual operator's license.
Simrad recommends that you check the requirements of your national radio
communications authorities before operating DSC functions.
This radio 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 10 nautical miles.
Quickly press the CALL/MENU key to display the DSC CALL menu. You can then select
the DSC call type to send. The channel remains unchanged and allows normal Tx
operation.
WARNING
Simrad - HH36 Installation and Operation Instructions 47