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30 Northstar Explorer VHF Series: 721US, 721EU Operation and Installation Manual
Section 5 - Send and Receive DSC Calls
A valid user MMSID must have been entered to access the DSC functions. If you don’t have a user
MMSID, see Appendix D.
Press CALL/MENU to show the DSC CALL menu. This shows the different types of DSC call that you
make.
Sections 1.3 and 1.4 explain how to navigate around the menu and enter, save and change data.
5-1 What is DSC?
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It
has been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and is
part of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
Currently, you are required to monitor Distress Channel 16, but DSC will eventually replace listening watches
on distress frequencies and will be used to broadcast routine and urgent maritime safety information.
DSC enables you to send and receive calls from any vessel or coast station that is equipped with DSC
functionality, and within geographic range. Calls can be categorised as distress, urgency, safety, or routine,
and DSC selects a working channel automatically.
5-2 The DSC CALL Menu Options
INDIVIDUAL
LAST CALL
GROUP
ALL SHIPS
CALL LOG
DIST LOG
LL REQUEST
ROUTINE
SAFETY
URGENCY
DISTRESS
Make a routine, safety, urgency or distress call to a
buddy or another individual.
See Section 5-3.
Show the details of the most recent incoming call.
See Section 5-4.
Make a call to one of your three groups.
See Section 5-5.
Show the details of the 20 most recent incoming
calls.
See Section 5-7.
Show the details of the 10 most recent distress
calls.
See Section 5-8.
Request the LL position of a buddy.
See Section 5-9.
Make a urgency, safety, routine, or distress call
to All Ships,
See Section 5-6.
URGENCY
SAFETY
ROUTINE
DISTRESS