page 16
Owner’s Manual
GX1260S
6
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
6.1
GENERAL
6.1.1 Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Digital Selective Calling is a semi-automated method of establishing a
radio call, it has been designated by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) as an international standard for establishing VHF, MF
and HF radio calls. It had also been designated part of the Global Maritime
Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). It is planed that DSC will eventually
replace aural watches on distress frequencies and will be used to
announce routine and urgent maritime safety information broadcasts.
This new service will allow mariners to instantly send a distress call with
GPS position (when connected to the transceiver) to the USA Coast Guard
and other vessel within range of the transmission. DSC will also allow
mariners to initiate or receive distress, urgency, safety and routine calls to
or from another vessel equipped with a DSC transceiver.
6.1.2 Marine Mobile Service Identity (MMSID)
What is an MMSID?
An MMSID 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. Refer to section 7.7 (USER
MMSID INPUT).
How can I obtain a MMSID assignment?
Currently, the only way to obtain an MMSID is to apply for Ship Station
License, or an amendment to a ship station license, regardless of whether
the license is otherwise required. These procedures are currently under
review by both the FCC and US Coast Guard.
WARNING
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 20 nautical miles.
