I got my MMSI number off the Boat US site (link below) and programmed my ID into my VHF radio. Is anyone using DSC to call individuals? From what I could decipher from the ICOM manual, you pick a (non-70) channel, have the radio contact the other boat's radio (on 70), and then once ack'd, both radios switch over to previous channel. I didn't have a way of testing it since I don't know anybody else's number and didn't want to put out an "all ships/routine" message. I suppose once we're back in the water (March 29) I can find some folks to test it with, presuming other people have registered. Harry Greenspun Bethesda, MD Hunter 456 - "Czech Mate" harry@greenspun.com
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Jim Smith
Hey Harry
I should have my final check ride with Norton's within the next week or so and then take delivery of my new 456 *5. Please let me know how your DSC testing goes as I'd like to set it up as well. You can email me at sailingforever@comcast.net Regards, -Jim- s/v Forever
I should have my final check ride with Norton's within the next week or so and then take delivery of my new 456 *5. Please let me know how your DSC testing goes as I'd like to set it up as well. You can email me at sailingforever@comcast.net Regards, -Jim- s/v Forever
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Les Murray
Boat US is not an international MMSI number
Having just attended a Safety at Sea seminar, a communications pro (Dan Piltch of marine Computer Systems) informed us that the Boat US MMSI number is only a national number and not valid internationally. For one that is recognized universally, you must obtain it from the FCC. Just an FYI. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
Having just attended a Safety at Sea seminar, a communications pro (Dan Piltch of marine Computer Systems) informed us that the Boat US MMSI number is only a national number and not valid internationally. For one that is recognized universally, you must obtain it from the FCC. Just an FYI. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
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Harry Greenspun
MMSI/DSC
Lee, Thanks for that info. According to my instruction manual, I can only program an MMSI number in twice. Harry Greenspun Bethesda, MD Hunter 456 - "Czech Mate" harry@greenspun.com
Lee, Thanks for that info. According to my instruction manual, I can only program an MMSI number in twice. Harry Greenspun Bethesda, MD Hunter 456 - "Czech Mate" harry@greenspun.com
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Tom S
More on what Les had to say
Not that I am travelling internationally but **any** boater with a VHF that travels outside the US, whether they have MMSI or not, need to get a ship station licence from the FCC. To get info on Ship Station Licence go here http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/othrcoms/fcc.htm If you are a Commercial user, or those who travel outside the U.S. or Canada, must apply for a ship station license, or an amendment to a ship station license, to obtain an MMSI. "If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC after you have obtained an MMSI from BoatUS, MariTEL or Sea Tow Service that MMSI cannot be used during the application/licensing process when you file FCC Form 159 and 605 with the FCC. MMSIs issued by other authorized entities are valid only for ship stations that do not have FCC-issued licenses. Since the ULS will not accept the MMSI that was issued by another entity, you should not enter anything in item 10 on FCC Form 605, Schedule B. Leave this field blank and the FCC will issue you a new MMSI. " http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html#SEC2 Here is more info http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/about.htm And here is the government website that discuss's this http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm For more information on GMDSS visit: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/gmdssfaq.htm (Ahh...bureaucracy *o what would we do without it?)
Not that I am travelling internationally but **any** boater with a VHF that travels outside the US, whether they have MMSI or not, need to get a ship station licence from the FCC. To get info on Ship Station Licence go here http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/othrcoms/fcc.htm If you are a Commercial user, or those who travel outside the U.S. or Canada, must apply for a ship station license, or an amendment to a ship station license, to obtain an MMSI. "If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC after you have obtained an MMSI from BoatUS, MariTEL or Sea Tow Service that MMSI cannot be used during the application/licensing process when you file FCC Form 159 and 605 with the FCC. MMSIs issued by other authorized entities are valid only for ship stations that do not have FCC-issued licenses. Since the ULS will not accept the MMSI that was issued by another entity, you should not enter anything in item 10 on FCC Form 605, Schedule B. Leave this field blank and the FCC will issue you a new MMSI. " http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html#SEC2 Here is more info http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/about.htm And here is the government website that discuss's this http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm For more information on GMDSS visit: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/gmdssfaq.htm (Ahh...bureaucracy *o what would we do without it?)
I would appreciate some help with these URLs...
...as we're carrying a FCC 559 license that was issued far enough back that there's no MMSI # included (altho' there is a 5 digit Selective Calling Number included). I haven't been able to find which URL allows me to request an amended license so that an MMSI could be issued to our call sign; can anyone provide a bit more coaching on this? Many thanks! Jack
...as we're carrying a FCC 559 license that was issued far enough back that there's no MMSI # included (altho' there is a 5 digit Selective Calling Number included). I haven't been able to find which URL allows me to request an amended license so that an MMSI could be issued to our call sign; can anyone provide a bit more coaching on this? Many thanks! Jack
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Les Murray
Harry - after 2 times, back to the factory
Harry, After two tries, you ahve to send it back to a service center to have it reset. Also, the MMSI applies to the boat and is not transferable to other boats. If you already have an FCC license without an MMSI, you can file for an update through the FCC to get your number. There have been a couple of articles recently in Blue Water Cruising and Cruising World that discuss the whole GMDSS and MMSI system. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
Harry, After two tries, you ahve to send it back to a service center to have it reset. Also, the MMSI applies to the boat and is not transferable to other boats. If you already have an FCC license without an MMSI, you can file for an update through the FCC to get your number. There have been a couple of articles recently in Blue Water Cruising and Cruising World that discuss the whole GMDSS and MMSI system. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
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Gord May
DSC
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) DSC 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 as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (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 new system will allow mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS position (when connected to the transceiver) to the US Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission. DSC will also allow mariners to initiate or receive distress, Urgency, Safety routine, POS Request, POS Send and Group calls to or from another vessel equipped with a DSC transceiver. USCG DSC Watch The USCG has plans to upgrade its VHF National Distress System (expected by 2005), so at this time (March ‘04) only larger vessels that are required to carry VHF DSC radios, other boater with VHF DSC radios and most towing companies will be able to hear your distress transmission Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) An MMSI 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. How can I obtain an MMSI assignment? Boat US is offering MMSI free MMSI numbers. Visit the following to register: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/. Distress Call Transmits a DSC Distress message to all radios equipped to receive a DSC Distress call. Some VHF radios may be connected to a GPS to also transmit the Latitude, Longitude of the vessel. Individual Call This feature allows the user to contact another vessel capable of using DSC and automatically switch the radio to a desired working channel. This feature is similar to calling a desired vessel on CH16 and requesting them to go to another channel. Urgency Call This call should be used when a vessel may not be truly in distress, but have a potential problem that might lead to a distress situation. Safety Call Used to transmit boating safety information to other vessels. This message usually contains information about an overdue boat, a derelict afloat, loss of a navigation aid or an important meteorological message. POSITION REQUEST Advancements in DSC have made it possible to poll the location of another vessel and show the position of that vessel on the display some VHF's. Some VHF’s have taken this feature one step further (ie: if any Standard Horizon GPS is connected a Standard Horizon VHF with this function the polled position of the vessel is shown on the display of the GPS chart plotter making it easy to navigate to the location of the polled vessel). This is a great feature for anyone wanting to know the position of anther vessel for example you buddy that is catching fish, or finding the location of a person you are cruising with. POSITION SEND The feature is similar to Position Request, however instead of requesting a position of another vessel this function allows you to send you position to another vessel. Your vessel must have an operating GPS receiver connected the a Compatible VHF to send the position. When other vessel receives your position, the transceiver outputs the position to the GPS chart plotter to show your position on the receiving transceiver. CALL WAITING DIRECTORY The DSC Call Waiting directory logs received distress individual calls that are received and not answered within 5 minutes or while the radio is set on the DSC Standby function. Calls will be logged while busy with other communications as long as the transmitter is not keyed at the time of the call. If the call is answered within 5 minutes the call will not be logged. When a call is logged, a message will appear on the LCD. ADDITIONAL DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING INFORMATION For additional information the USCG has an excellent site that should be visited at www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcoms/gmdss/dsc.html.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) DSC 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 as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (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 new system will allow mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS position (when connected to the transceiver) to the US Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission. DSC will also allow mariners to initiate or receive distress, Urgency, Safety routine, POS Request, POS Send and Group calls to or from another vessel equipped with a DSC transceiver. USCG DSC Watch The USCG has plans to upgrade its VHF National Distress System (expected by 2005), so at this time (March ‘04) only larger vessels that are required to carry VHF DSC radios, other boater with VHF DSC radios and most towing companies will be able to hear your distress transmission Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) An MMSI 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. How can I obtain an MMSI assignment? Boat US is offering MMSI free MMSI numbers. Visit the following to register: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/. Distress Call Transmits a DSC Distress message to all radios equipped to receive a DSC Distress call. Some VHF radios may be connected to a GPS to also transmit the Latitude, Longitude of the vessel. Individual Call This feature allows the user to contact another vessel capable of using DSC and automatically switch the radio to a desired working channel. This feature is similar to calling a desired vessel on CH16 and requesting them to go to another channel. Urgency Call This call should be used when a vessel may not be truly in distress, but have a potential problem that might lead to a distress situation. Safety Call Used to transmit boating safety information to other vessels. This message usually contains information about an overdue boat, a derelict afloat, loss of a navigation aid or an important meteorological message. POSITION REQUEST Advancements in DSC have made it possible to poll the location of another vessel and show the position of that vessel on the display some VHF's. Some VHF’s have taken this feature one step further (ie: if any Standard Horizon GPS is connected a Standard Horizon VHF with this function the polled position of the vessel is shown on the display of the GPS chart plotter making it easy to navigate to the location of the polled vessel). This is a great feature for anyone wanting to know the position of anther vessel for example you buddy that is catching fish, or finding the location of a person you are cruising with. POSITION SEND The feature is similar to Position Request, however instead of requesting a position of another vessel this function allows you to send you position to another vessel. Your vessel must have an operating GPS receiver connected the a Compatible VHF to send the position. When other vessel receives your position, the transceiver outputs the position to the GPS chart plotter to show your position on the receiving transceiver. CALL WAITING DIRECTORY The DSC Call Waiting directory logs received distress individual calls that are received and not answered within 5 minutes or while the radio is set on the DSC Standby function. Calls will be logged while busy with other communications as long as the transmitter is not keyed at the time of the call. If the call is answered within 5 minutes the call will not be logged. When a call is logged, a message will appear on the LCD. ADDITIONAL DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING INFORMATION For additional information the USCG has an excellent site that should be visited at www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcoms/gmdss/dsc.html.
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Gerry Cooper
Ship Station Identity
I have an FCC ship station authorisation and realise after reading the articles that it includes a ship station identity number. This number then appears to be the FCC MMSI and was issued with the licence. I suspect that new FCC Ship Station licences include an MMSI automatically.
I have an FCC ship station authorisation and realise after reading the articles that it includes a ship station identity number. This number then appears to be the FCC MMSI and was issued with the licence. I suspect that new FCC Ship Station licences include an MMSI automatically.
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Gerry Cooper
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Tom S
I realize no one really answered your original
question. I too have a DSC VHF radio (Standard Spectrum) and I have an MMSI # (originally got it from BoatUS) I also have it hooked up to my GPS for position. I've had this set up for a few years now I would love to use it to call other people and other freinds I sail with but none of them have the DSC compatible VHF's so I haven't been able to use it yet. It seems once people get a VHF installed then thats usually good for them for years and they are not motivated to swap it out. But I'm sure over time more and more boaters will have DSC compatible VHF's so I'm looking forward to this. Plus I really do like the "GPS connected Automated Distress call" button and features. Its kind of like a Coastal Cruisers "Poor Mans" EPIRB
question. I too have a DSC VHF radio (Standard Spectrum) and I have an MMSI # (originally got it from BoatUS) I also have it hooked up to my GPS for position. I've had this set up for a few years now I would love to use it to call other people and other freinds I sail with but none of them have the DSC compatible VHF's so I haven't been able to use it yet. It seems once people get a VHF installed then thats usually good for them for years and they are not motivated to swap it out. But I'm sure over time more and more boaters will have DSC compatible VHF's so I'm looking forward to this. Plus I really do like the "GPS connected Automated Distress call" button and features. Its kind of like a Coastal Cruisers "Poor Mans" EPIRB
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Harry Greenspun
ICOM M402
I've got an ICOM M402. It's pretty easy to set up. Based on the responses, I guess I'll track down some locals who have a DSC-capable radio and want to test it out. Alternatively, I may repost here to find some folks nearby. The beauty of the "individual call" is that your radio will make an alert tone and then switch over to the correct channel. I think all I need to do is tag Ch. 70 for scanning, and have the scan mode going. The recipient of the call has to "ack" the sender. I don't know whether I need to hit PTT or the DSC button on the radio, or whether it will switch over automatically. I have a RAM mic at the helm, so hopefully I won't need to go below to ack. Harry Bethesda, MD Hunter 456 - "Czech Mate" harry@greenspun.com
I've got an ICOM M402. It's pretty easy to set up. Based on the responses, I guess I'll track down some locals who have a DSC-capable radio and want to test it out. Alternatively, I may repost here to find some folks nearby. The beauty of the "individual call" is that your radio will make an alert tone and then switch over to the correct channel. I think all I need to do is tag Ch. 70 for scanning, and have the scan mode going. The recipient of the call has to "ack" the sender. I don't know whether I need to hit PTT or the DSC button on the radio, or whether it will switch over automatically. I have a RAM mic at the helm, so hopefully I won't need to go below to ack. Harry Bethesda, MD Hunter 456 - "Czech Mate" harry@greenspun.com
Curious
We have two DSC capable VHF radios. Since the MMSI number goes with the boat...would it be the same for both radios or two different numbers that both go with the boat. I'm thinking it would be two. Any body know? Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
We have two DSC capable VHF radios. Since the MMSI number goes with the boat...would it be the same for both radios or two different numbers that both go with the boat. I'm thinking it would be two. Any body know? Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
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