Garmin GPSMAP 2206 GPSMAP 2206/2210 Owner's Manual - Page 93

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) When your GPSMAP 2206/2210 is connected to a VHF radio with DSC support, the GPS unit displays a Call List, Log, and a Directory to store incoming information received from another user's DSC capable VHF/GPS combination. Basic wiring is required for the Garmin unit and VHF radio to send and receive NMEA data from each other. See the GPSMAP 2206/2210 & GPS 17 Installation Instructions. What is DSC? Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses marine VHF radio and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies to transmit and receive location information. DSC is used by mariners to assist them in two major areas: distress calls and position reporting. A non-emergency DSC position report allows mariners to exchange and display the positions of one another. When a DSC position is received, the mariner can choose to create a waypoint or show the received position on an electronic map. An emergency DSC distress call allows a vessel in trouble to transmit a substantial amount of information in a single transmission or "call" without the need for voice communication. When any nearby rescuer receives the DSC signal, an alarm sounds, and they immediately receive the position of the caller. The rescuer can then choose to navigate (Go To) the caller's position to assist or forward the call on to the Coast Guard. When the Coast Guard receives the call, they can immediately access the caller's information (such as who they are and the type of vessel) in their database while they are in transit to the caller's location. APPENDIX > DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC) Any time a vessel receives a DSC call, the vessel can store that location and quickly navigate to that position using a Go To. This makes DSC a time-saver, especially in an emergency situation. To use DSC, users must first register their VHF radio with the FCC and receive a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)? Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) allows a VHF radio to act like a phone. To make a "call" on a phone, you first need a phone number to dial. The 9-digit MMSI number acts like a phone number when used in a Position Report and as a unique identifier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency distress call. To obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, users must register their VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply this number! How Are MMSI Assignments Obtained? Non-commercial users (recreational users who remain in domestic waters and only carry VHF, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, and Radar)) are not required to have a FCC ship station license. The FCC and Coast Guard have authorized some second and third-party vendors to assign MMSI numbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vessels only. To receive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSI number, visit http://www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm or http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/. Non-Federal Users in the United States Commercial users, or those who travel outside the U.S.A. or Canada, must apply for a ship station license, or an amendment to a ship station license. To find out if you require a Ship Station license, visit http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14. html. If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC, you can obtain a MMSI during the application/licensing process when you file FCC Forms 159 and 605. GPSMAP 2206/2210 Owner's Manual 85