Standard Horizon Matrix GX3000E Marine Radio User Manual


 
Page 35GX3000E
9 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
9.1 GENERAL
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 approxi-
mately 20 nautical miles.
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 has
also been designated as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety Sys-
tem (GMDSS). It is planned that DSC will eventually replace aural watches on
distress frequencies and will be used to announce routine and urgent maritime
safety information broadcasts.
This system allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS position
(when connected to the transceiver) to the Coast Guard and other vessels within
range of the transmission. DSC will also allow mariners to initiate or receive Dis-
tress, Urgency, Safety, Routine, POSITION REQUEST, POSITION SEND, and
Group calls to or from another vessel equipped with a DSC transceiver.
9.2 MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI)
9.2.1 What is an MMSI?
An MMSI is a nine digit number used on Marine Transceivers capable of using
Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone number to
selectively call other vessels.
THIS NUMBER MUST BE PROGRAMMED INTO THE RADIO TO OPERATE
THE GX3000E DSC FUCTIONS.
How can I obtain an MMSI assignment?
Please contact the Radio Licensing Authority for your country for information on
how to obtain an MMSI number.