the requested voice channel so you can talk to the other station.
DSC provides a system for automated distress calls. At the touch of a button, the radio can transmit your MMSI number, the nature
of your distress, and your current position based on data from your GPS receiver. The radio repeats the distress call every few
minutes until it receives an acknowledgement.
The DSC standard dedicates a VHF channel—channel 70—to digital transmissions only. Since digital transmissions require less
bandwidth voice transmissions, channel 70 avoids the problems of busy voice channels.
Advanced DSC Features
Your radio supports the following DSC features:
Feature
Menu Item
Function
Individual Call
Individual
Contact another vessel from your directory.
Group Call
Group
Contact all vessels that share your group MMSI code.
All Ships Call
All Ships
Broadcast to all vessels within range (used for safety or advisory
messages).
Position Request
POS Request
Request the current location of another vessel.
Position Send
Position Send
Transmit your current location to another vessel.
Test Call
Test
Make sure your radio is working and configured correctly.
Name and MMSI Directory
Directory
Store a list of 20 names and MMSI identification codes for DSC calls.
Standby Mode
Standby
Automaticcally respond to all DSC calls within an “Unavailable” status.
Received Call Log
Receive Log
Display the last 10 distress calls received by the radio and the last 20
general calls.
What is an MMSI Number?
In order to use DSC features, you must be assigned an MMSI number and program that number into your radio. There are two kinds of MMSI
numbers: individual numbers for use by single boats and group numbers for use by fleets, boating organizations, event coordinators, etc.
You can get more information on MMSI numbers at these resources:
• The dealer where you purchased the radio
• Recreational boaters can obtain an MMSI number from the Boat Owner’s Association of the U.S. (http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/
or call 800-563-1536) or Sea Tow Services International (http://seatow. com/boating_safety/mmsi.asp)
• Commercial boaters need a ship station license to get an MMSI number. For more information, visit the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ fctsht14.html.
Entering MMSI Numbers
Individual or User MMSI Number
NOTE: Be sure you have the correct User MMSI number before entering it in the radio. The radio only allows you to enter the
user MMSI once. If you need to re-enter the User MMSI number, contact customer service (1-800-BOATING).
Follow the steps below to enter your individual or user MMSI number into the radio:
1.
CALL
ENT
1W/25W
ENT
1W/25W
ENT
1W/25W
Display the normal menu and choose the
Setup
sub-menu.
VHF595 RADIO
1-800-BOATING
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