Garmin GPSMAP 478 Owner's Manual - Page 135
Digital Selective Calling (DSC), What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity MMSI, Number?
UPC - 753759060329
View all Garmin GPSMAP 478 manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals |
Page 135 highlights
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) DSC uses marine VHF radio 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 show the positions of one another. When you receive a DSC position, you can create a waypoint or to 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) Number? MMSI basically allows a VHF radio to act like a phone. 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 MMSI number, users must register their VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply this number! For more information regarding MMSI numbers, visit www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm. GPSMAP 378/478 Owner's Manual 127