DSC, MMSI and Me

[kpgraci]

I've had an DSC capable VHF since I got the boat, but I just connected my laptop based GPS to the VHF, so I thought I'd go ahead and apply for an MMSI number and enable the DSC feature.

This will enable the distress button on the VHF, which is a neat feature.
In addition to that, the manual says that DSC is an easy and better way to make routine calls to other ships.

What follows then is 9 pages of instruction that reminds me of learning how to transfer a conference call on my company's phone system. How is this easier than picking up the mic and making a call?

Does anyone use the DSC feature on their VHF for anything but the automated distress call?

 

[Jackdaw]

If you have a group of friends/boats that all have entered (and shared) their MMSIs, then you can call them directly, individually or as a group. Is it better then a straight hail? Well, it does let them know you tried (kinda like a missed call indicator). And its also better late at night, so if you need some rum at 2AM, the whole anchorage does not have to know.

The real advantage is when DSC is when it is paired with AIS, where you can call directly to a boat in question, even if you cannot see them visually.

DSC as part of the CG Rescue 21 program is great, and should be rolled out to the lower 48 and great lakes now.

 

[Skipper Sally]

just one idea for DSC ...

Hi Ken,
I have several friends with DSC and we have each others call numbers loaded, so we can just select and call each other up ... thats quite neat ! easpecially if you are racing, as your other cometitors won't hear you and try to catch the conversation on tactics or weather !

 

[Tim R.]

Hi Ken,
I have several friends with DSC and we have each others call numbers loaded, so we can just select and call each other up ... thats quite neat ! easpecially if you are racing, as your other cometitors won't hear you and try to catch the conversation on tactics or weather !

Hmmm, any communication to discuss racing tactics, conditions, etc is strictly forbidden in any of our races.

So far, I only have it setup for emergency calling.

 

[Jackdaw]

Hi Ken,
I have several friends with DSC and we have each others call numbers loaded, so we can just select and call each other up ... thats quite neat ! easpecially if you are racing, as your other cometitors won't hear you and try to catch the conversation on tactics or weather !

Just gotta watch out for this one, typically in the NOR:

18 RADIO COMMUNICATION
Except in an emergency, a boat shall neither
make radio transmissions while racing
nor receive radio communications not
available to all boats. This restriction also
applies to mobile telephones.

 

[Stu Jackson]

There goes the call to the girlfriend in the heat of the moment...

 

[caguy]

There goes the call to the girlfriend in the heat of the moment...

I think that constitutes an emergency.

We tried it biefly a couple of times but gave it up for the cell phone speed dial.

 

[Gary_H]

I have my DSC radio connected to my GPS with my MMSI For emergency transmissions but I have never used any of the other calling features.

 

[Sumner]

I have my DSC radio connected to my GPS with my MMSI For emergency transmissions but I have never used any of the other calling features.

Ditto and think it is a great safety feature that doesn't cost much to implement. We have a Cuda 350 fishfinder/GPS connected ...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/inside-25.html

....to the radio in the Mac and just bought a Garmin Map 76S off of e-bay for $60 that will be connected to the radio in the Endeavour,

Sum

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Our Endeavour 37[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Our MacGregor S Pages[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Mac-Venture Links[/FONT]

 

[Jackdaw]

Remember that DSC mayday calls are only monitored (in the USA) where the US Coast Guard operates. All other locations such as inland lakes it is likely it will be heard only by another civilian with a DSC radio. Always follow up a DSC mayday with a Channel 16 voice Mayday.

 

[Gunni]

Although I have an MMSI (for AIS) the DSC radio instructions were incomprehensible and I have no interest in trying to figure out who is calling me via a nine-digit hailing number. So I put duct tape over the DSC trigger and use the radio old-school.