Digital selective calling (dsc), What is dsc – Garmin GPSMAP 2110 User Manual
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GPSMAP 2106/2110 Owner’s Manual
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Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
When your GPSMAP 2106/2110 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 2106/2110 & 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.
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
or
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
. 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.