Digital selective calling dsc used with vhf, mf, and hf radio systems to establish communications with call ships or coast stations or to receive calls from other ships or coast stations. Also the mmsi number is a right mouthful in a mayday situation. Channel 70 is the dedicated channel for dsc on your vhf radio. Everything you need to know about handheld dsc radios. Dsc radios are not just for emergencies, they are also very useful for group communications. Phone book setup setup pages for radio, hailerfog, system, controller and dsc the functions of the sailor 6215 vhf dsc are accessed and set using the four soft keys to the left of the display. A maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a series of nine digits which are sent in digital form over a radio. Applicants should register, apply for and print their ship radio or. Coast guards national distress database for use in emergency situations. In summary, what dsc and an mmsi number buys you is.
A maritime mobile service identity is a unique 9 digit number and acts in the same way as a telephone number. Maritime mobile service identity mmsi numbers of other dsc radios can be entered and stored in your radios address book. You also need to update your emergency info as changes happen. Guidance for ship station license danish maritime authority. Coles interviews captain chris kourtakis about digital selective calling dsc, automatic identification systems ais, and automated radio checks arc. How they work and why registering your devices is important.
Dscvhf radio and automatic identification system ais. Unlike a phone number that stays with you when you move across town, a boats mmsi always stays with the boat, so any subsequent owner must update the mmsi number with his or her new contact information. How much does a mmsi radio license and ais number cost. The current function of a soft key is shown in 4 soft keys the display next to the soft key. If you hold an existing ship radio or ship portable radio licence you will need to amend your licence and add the relevant pieces of equipment. Function as a full featured vhf radio dsc vhf radios do not. A maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a 9digit number used to identify a ship radio. The united states power squadrons is authorized by the federal communications commission and the us coast guard to issue mmsis to us. Access to additional training material and resources related to. These features can only be used if your radio is programmed with a unique code called a maritime mobile service identity, or mmsi.
Epirb emergency position indicating repeater beacon ais mob man over board mmsi registration includes contact information to be used in case of an emergency. An mmsi number is a 9digit code issued by the host country agency for use in vhf marine radio equipment. The mmsi number will also enable your vessel to transmit via ais. Ship radio stations federal communications commission. A two wire connection to your gps nmea in and out 5. For more information about the advantages of dsc, visit icom where theyve posted a number of educational videos. By international agreement, the itu sets the rules that determine how mmsi numbers are assigned and used. Only the vessel being called will receive the hail. Also, if you register for and receive a mmsi through this web site, then obtain a ship station license later, yhe mmsi on that license becomes the governing number.
Maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a unique 9 digit number that is assigned to a digital selective calling dsc radio or an ais unit. Make sure you register your dsc equipment and update that information ifwhen you sell your boat. If youve recently purchased a new vhf marine radio for your boat, it is probably equipped with a digital selective calling dsc feature that allows selective calling on vhf ch70 what is the mmsi number on boats. If youre a us boater and plan on traveling to or communicating with a foreign port, you can get an mmsi number by applying for a ship station license through the federal communications commission fcc. On the mmsi application amsa asks for a copy of your marine radio operator. Some of the features one can employ include direct calling an individual station ie. Similar to a cell phone number, your mmsi number is your unique calling number for dsc radios or an ais unit. The information provided when obtaining a mmsi number is transferred into the u. A radio licence and an mmsi number is essential for everyone wishing to be safe on the water. Replied by tve on topic vhf radio mmsi registration as far as i can tell, the tl.
Vhf dsc has the same range as ordinary vhf as well as the same power restrictions, but it is more efficient than ordinary vhf. An mmsi number functions much like a phone number and allows boaters with dsc vhf radios to make a touchofabutton emergency call that automatically. Seems the best thing is to do like said above and change the info on the registration. The only people getting any credits for the course is. A vhf licence will allow you to apply for an mmsi number for your vessel. Handheld vhf with dsc and mmsi number the uk rivers guidebook. Dscvhf radios require the implementation of a new system of identification called the maritime mobile service identity mmsi numbers in order to take advantage of their full capabilities an mmsi number functions much like a phone. An mmsi number programmed into your radio will allow the dsc function to be used in an emergency. Fixed mount dscvhf marine radio pretty much every vhf marine radio built in the past number of years comes equipped with digital selective calling dsc capability. It is a core part of the global maritime distress safety system gmdss.
What is a maritime mobile safety identity mmsi number. To make a digital call each radio must have an identity, a 9digit maritime mobile service identity mmsi number. About mmsi registration for vhf radios with dsc boatus. If youve recently purchased a new vhf marine radio for your boat, it is probably equipped with a digital selective calling dsc feature that allows selective calling on vhf ch70. Learn what dsc is, and how it can help you in an emergency.
Every telephone needs a phone number so that it can be called. Aug 28, 2015 fixed mount dscvhf marine radio pretty much every vhf marine radio built in the past number of years comes equipped with digital selective calling dsc capability. Learn the importance of dsc equipped vhf radios and how to register your mmsi number. I have just got a standard horizon hx851e the ce marked version and therefore legal in the uk. Select a name from the address book of someone you want to call, each name has a corresponding mmsi number. Every fixed mount vhf radio manufactured after 1999 has digital selective calling dsc capability. The following websites provide free registration services to get your unique mmsi for a dsc vhf radio. For more information about the advantages of dsc, visit icom where. Your vhf radio is the single most important piece of safety equipment you can have on board your vessel. One mmsi number is assigned for all applicable vhf electronics on the vessel, such as. An mmsi number functions much like a phone number and allows boaters with dscvhf radios to make a touchofabutton emergency call that automatically. Any person wishing to operate a marine vhf dsc radio must have a valid samsa dsc operators licenseticket. Jun 03, 20 i know that you put the vhf call sign in a mayday, but when else do you use it.
The mmsi allows radio operator to make automatic calls through vhf dsc radio and is the id. A dsc touch screen control panel showing a simulated distress message. While both use the vessels same mmsi number when it comes to registration, dscvhf radio and automatic identification system ais do not share any other relationship, and each has a completely different process to follow when buying and selling a boat, or potentially when changing a. These identities are formed in such a way that the identity or part thereof can be used by telephone and telex subscribers connected to the. Learn the importance of dscequipped vhf radios and how to register your mmsi number. Atis identification numbers relate to a ship, while the mmsi of hand held vhf dsc relates to the individual piece of equipment. A maritime mobile service identity mmsi number is now issued to all new ship radio and ship portable radio licences.
A handheld vhf transceiver with dsc and an integral global navigation satellite system e. Adding gps capability to your dscequipped vhf radio. Ais automatic identification system inmarsat telephone system. Enabling your vhf radio safety features west marine. New mmsi numbering scheme for handheld vhf with dsc and. To get it you need to complete a two day short range certificate course at an accredited samsa institution.
Request an mmsi and ais number yacht registration company. By using a vhf radio with digital select calling dsc capability, you increase your safety dramatically by. Gps not intended for dedicated use on a particular ship e. Dsc is used in vhf radios to automatically digitally rather than through voice call up another dsc radio using an mmsi number. This interactive video tutorial will help you become more comfortable with your vhf a black fixedmount vhf. These identities are formed in such a way that the identity or part thereof can be used by. The danish maritime authority issues maritime identification. If you do not already hold a licence you can apply on our online portal. Not only will you learn how to use a vhf but youll also find out how the rescue 21 system works and how to use your digital selective calling dsc vhf in an emergency. Take advantage of all these functions without registering for a unique mmsi number, inputting the code, and connecting with gps. Vhf radio and maritime mobile service identity mmsi. The use of a simple vhf radio is a good start, but with advances in technology over the years, enhancements such as dsc make the vhf an even more powerful means of communication. To reap the benefits of rescue 21 and dsc technology, mariners must. Not all digital selective calling radios are the same.
In order to take advantage of your dscvhf radio, you will need 5 things. This phone number identifies your phone and is unique. The mmsi allows radio operator to make automatic calls through vhf dsc as well as mfhf dsc radio and is the identity that is automatically transmitted within dsc calls. Mmsi registration with the system upandrunning, the final step in the process would be to register for your mmsi number and program that number into your radio. These mmsi numbers are issued by the appropriate authorities in the country of registration of the vessel and can be referenced back to a database of information about the.
Mmsi maritime mobile service identity overview shine micro. Please note, if you are a sea tow member this may be different than your my sea tow account log in information. In addition to the vhf, there are other electronic devices that aid in. New mmsi numbering scheme for handheld vhf with dsc and gps. Sue fletchers straightforward explanations and tips describe the leisure craft vhf dsc radio system in detail and its place within gmdss. In addition, a dsc equipped vessel with an mmsi number can make a private hailing call to another dscequipped vessel. The green and orange buttons both function without an mmsi number because they operate on normal vhf rather than dsc digital selective calling.
Obtain a maritime mobile service identity mmsi and enter it into your radio. You can view different types of boat registrations on our boat registrations comparison page. Registering your radios with the fcc sailing eurybia. I have read alot either in this forum or elsewhere, about getting an mmsi number for handheld vhfs with dsc, with alot of uncertainty as to whether it was possible. If your radio can be reprogrammed with a different mmsi number, i would recommend that you get a new one at the us power squadrons for free. If youre renting your boat out for a season to another owneroperator, you should change the mmsi number registration to reflect their contact information. To make a digital call each radio must have an identity, a 9. Vhf radiotelephone 156162 mhz used for voice communications with other ships and coast stations over short distances. Please read transferring your mmsi from the previous owner rr restricted radiotelephone operator permit. I have a garmin vhf 100 and want to remove it and replace. About mmsi registration for vhf radios with dsc your vhf radio is the single most important piece of safety equipment you can have on board your vessel. Vhfdsc has the same range as ordinary vhf as well as the same power restrictions, but it is more efficient than ordinary vhf.
If you sell your dscequipped radio or ais or the boat these devices are mounted on, you must cancel your mmsi registration and should inform the new owner of. A free downloaded version of the marine radio handbook andor the vhf radio handbook. Jun 24, 2019 to reap the benefits of rescue 21 and dsc technology, mariners must. Ship radio licences guidance notes for licensing ofcom. Handheld vhf with dsc and mmsi number the uk rivers.
Digital selective calling or dsc is a standard for transmitting predefined digital messages via the mediumfrequency mf, highfrequency hf and veryhighfrequency vhf maritime radio systems. Fcc regulations for portable vhf marine radios moderated. In this book youll pick up the following key points. The united states power squadrons is authorized by the federal communications commission. New mmsi numbering scheme for handheld vhf with dsc and gps by knut on jan 10, 20 at 4. The reeds vhf dsc handbook is a userfriendly guide that gets marine vhf radio users quickly up to speed with both the analogue and digital functions on the radio. There is a way to keep the mmsi number used by the previous owner so that you do not have to reprogram all the devices that use the mmsi ais, vhf, and hf radios may use mmsi.
Maritime identification number mmsi for maritime radio equipment, including handheld vhf. Operation guide class d dsc n what is dsc dsc stands for digital selective calling and is a semiautomated method of establishing a radio call. Dsc vhf radios require the implementation of a new system of identification called the maritime mobile service identity mmsi numbers in order to take advantage of their full capabilities. Modern marine radios now feature digital selective calling dsc for routine operations and for automated distress hailing.
Oct 18, 2017 dscvhf radio and automatic identification system ais. Firstly appologies if this has already been covered. Vhf dsc radio mmsi number transport canada ace boater. The mmsi allows radio operator to make automatic calls through vhf dsc as well as mfhf dsc radio and is the identity that is automatically transmitted within dsc calls these mmsi numbers are issued by the appropriate authorities in the country of registration of the vessel and can be. Given a choice between a dsc distress call and a ptt mayday, i know which i would prefer to be doing. Why you need a maritime mobile service identity mmsi, and how to apply. A knowledge of your dsc radio the gps receiver to ensure a gps is compatible with the dscvhf radio youll need to verify that the. A maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a series of nine digits which are sent in digital form over a radio frequency channel in order to uniquely identify ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations, and group calls. How to obtain your free maritime mobile service identity mmsi number. Mmsi maritime mobile service identity a maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a unique 9 digit number and acts in the same way as a telephone number. If you combine your mmsi radio license registration with a boat registration, we will give you a 100, discount. In addition to the vhf, there are other electronic devices that aid in the communication with other boaters and the coast guard. As you complete the online process, i would suggest that you print out all your registration information so that youll have a.
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