I would not go as far as saying that this is the primary role. Additionally, if your GPS is not connected or if your radio does not have a built –in GPS, you are obligated to enter your position, if I remember correctly, on a hourly basis (possibly once every 4-hours?).
I see the primary role of the DSC being a substantially simplified procedure for calling anyone and reducing chatter on Ch 16 (no more the need for calling each other on Ch 16 and moving to the appropriate communications channel). Having said that, DSC is part (the principal or fundamental part?) of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress Safety System), so I am not completely disagreeing with David. Marek C270 “Legato” From: David Lenehan via CnC-List Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 15:29 To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: David Lenehan Subject: Re: Stus-List Testing DSC List, As I understand it, the primary purpose of DSC is for rapid and accurate communication of your ship's/boat's identity (the MMSI number) in a distress, urgency or safety situation. The initial burst of info from a DSC enabled radio sends your MMSI number and, assuming you have the radio connected to GPS, your last known position and the last time your GPS logged it. One is simply required to then standby on channel 16 or 4125 (or whatever in HF) and wait for the responses to your "Mayday" or "Pan Pan" call or you broadcast your short Security announcement (or decalre a change to a working channel for a longer announcement). The authorities over here in Oz tell me that normal communication should be done through the VHF or HF radios in the normal way. Add, they advise that the procedures I've outlined in a nutshel are now consistent across the world - that would be a first! David On 16 January 2016 at 06:17, Joe Della Barba via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: Test transmissions on VHF DSC calling channel 70 should be made to another VHF DSC radio by using a routine individual call to their Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI). For VHF DSC radios equipped with the Test Call feature, test transmissions should be made to the US Coast Guard MMSI 003669999 to receive an automated VHF DSC test response. You must use the “Test Call” category of your radio because “Individual” category calls to this address will not receive an automated response. For older radios not having a test call capability, testing can only be performed by using a routine individual call to their Maritime Mobile Service Indentity (MMSI). You can test DSC with a buddy. Do *not* send ALL SHIPS. Someone did that around here and generated a ton of radio traffic trying to figure out WTF was going on. Joe Della Barba j...@dellabarba.com From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of bobmor99 . via CnC-List Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 1:17 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: bobmor99 . <bobmo...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: Stus-List Testing DSC Hello All, Thanks for the replies. I am aware of the need to get an MMSI number and will be starting that process shortly. I'm uncertain at this time whether to get the quick and free BoatUS MMSI number or to go the slow, federal, not-free route - which would mean the DSC stuff could be used in non-US waters. (That's just a choice for US boaters and I'll bring it (BoatUS vs. federal issued MMSI) up as a separate Stu's List topic.) I was more interested in testing the built-in AIS and DSC functions of the radio. Supposedly, if an AIS target was displayed on the radio's small display, I could select it and start communicating with it digitally on channel 70 and audibly on channel 16(?). But I don't want to somehow accidentally give anyone the erroneous impression that I'm in distress. I'm also wondering if anyone has tested the "All Ships" DSC distress signal just to verify that it's working. --Bob M Ox 1976 33-1 Jax, FL _______________________________________________ Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
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