NorthStar Navigation Explorer 710 VHF - Manual (Page 26)

26 Northtstar Explorer VHF Series: 710US, 710EU Operation and Installation Manual
Section 5 - Sending and Receiving DSC Calls
5-1 WHAT IS DSC?
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is a semi-automated method of establishing VHF, MF, and HF radio calls. It has
been designated as an international standard by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and is part
of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
Currently, you are required to monitor Distress Channel 16, but DSC will eventually replace listening watches
on distress frequencies and will be used to broadcast routine and urgent maritime safety information.
DSC enables you to send and receive calls from any vessel or coast station that is equipped with DSC func-
tionality, and within geographic range. Calls can be categorised as distress, urgency, safety, or routine, and
DSC selects a working channel automatically.
5-2 Sending DSC calls
1. Press CALL MENU to show the types of DSC call that can be made.
Note: Only four DSC call types can be shown at any one time on the screen.
2. + or - to scroll up and down the DSC call types until the cursor is positioned
at the desired option. then press ENT. the DSC call types are:
Make a routine call or acknowledgement to a new caller or a buddy.
See Section 5-2-1, 5-2-2, and 5-2-3.
Show the details of the most recent incoming call.
See Section 5-2-4.
Make a call to one of your three groups.
See Section 5-2-5.
Make an All Ships call.
See Section 5-2-6.
Show the details of the 20 most recent incoming calls.
See Section 5-2-7.
Show the details of the 10 most recent distress calls.
See Section 5-2-8.
Request the LL position of a buddy.
See Section 5-2-9.
INDIVIDUAL
LAST CALL
GROUP
ALL SHIPS
CALL LOG
DIST LOG
LL REQUEST
These DSC facilities are available only on the VHF 710US and VHF 710EU models, and a valid user
MMSID must have been entered to access the DSC functions.
DSC CALL
>INDIVIDUAL
LAST CALL
GROUP