Raymarine Ray215e, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 78 / 132

4-23 Operation with Full Function Handset
4.6.18 Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
The Digital Selective Calling (DSC) protocol is a globally applied system
used to send and receive digital Distress calls as well as Individual and
All Ships calls on channel 70, the dedicated DSC channel for Marine
VHF. For a Distress call transmission, the RAY215E with a Full Function
Handset takes the position and time information from the input NMEA
data along with your Maritime Mobile Station Identifier (MMSI) and
converts it into a digital “packet”. When transmitted, this digital
information lets other ships and shore stations equipped with appropriate
DSC equipment know where you are and that you are in a Distress situation.
Communications in DSC mode include the following:
1. Transmitting/Receiving an Individual Call
2. Transmitting/Receiving a Group Call
3. Transmitting/Receiving an All Ships Call
4. Transmitting/Receiving a Distress Call
5. Receiving a Distress Relay Call
DSC transmission and reception occurs on Channel 70. When the DSC
signal is received, the unit quickly switches over to Channel 70 and
performs the corresponding operation. You will not receive a DSC call if
the radio is transmitting.
Note: An MMSI number is required to operate the DSC equipment in this
radio. You can program the MMSI number yourself one time only using
the Menu Operation described in section 4.7.4.2 MMSI Number Set Up.
Otherwise, your Raymarine dealer can program or change the number
for you.
DSC calls come in three varieties: ROUTINE for normal calls, SAFETY
for advisory alerts, and URGENCY for assistance when life is not in
immediate danger.
4.6.18.1 Individual Call to Another Ship (Ship-to-Ship)
An Individual Ship’s Call is a DSC call made to a specific ship identified
by its MMSI number. The RAY215E can receive all three types of
Individual calls but can only transmit ROUTINE Individual calls. As with
any DSC operation, the call is made on Channel 70.