West Marine 18736389, Owner'S Manual, Page: 34 / 68

E-30
VHF470 RADIO 1-800-BOATING
E-30
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.
MMSI NUMBERS
In order to use DSC features, you must be assigned an individual User MMSI number and program that
number into your radio.
You can get more information on MMSI numbers at these resources:
• The dealer where you purchased the radio
• Recreational boaters can obtain an individual 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
When you turn your VHF470 on for the first time, you have the option of entering your MMSI number at
that point. If you choose not to enter your MMSI number then, you will still be able to use your radio;
however, you will not be able to use any DSC features.
Entering Your 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) for assistance.
1. Press
MENU
then select
DSC SETUP/Enter Radio MMSI
. The
Enter MMSI Number
screen
displays.
2. Enter the MMSI number using the
▲
and
▼
keys. Select
Next
to enter the MMSI number again
to confirm.
3. Press
FINISH
to save the MMSI number. The radio displays the Idle screen.
USING THE DIRECTORIES
The directories lets you store up to 80 individual MMSI numbers of other ships and 20 group MMSI
numbers. From the directories, you can add, edit or delete MMSI numbers.