almanac and mmsi

[chrisrixon]

I am wondering about buying a DSC radio. I thought it would be nice to be able to call marinas using the DSC and MMSI. So I look in the Reeds, and no MMSIs :-( Is this becuse the MMSIs are not in the Reeds or that the Marinas don't have MMSIs?

Also on the subjetc of Reeds I can't find magnetic deviation in the Reeds have I missed it or is this not in either?!

 

[andrewhopkins]

Magnetic deviation

Eh ? This will be specific to your boat and needs working out by either swinging the compass or if you have an autopilot, let it do it for you. If you meant, variation, this is on the chart.

As for MMSI numbers, some of the marinas probably do have them but you might need to call/radio/visit to ask. Just call on 80 and that will be fine.

The 'authorities' keep telling us weve got to go DSC as the coastguard will stop monitoring 16 actively by 2005 (i think) or is it sooner (it will keep it on speaker in background) but this wont happen unless they can tell 90% of the sailors have DSC and at the moment I guess it is more like 5%!

 

[chrisrixon]

Re: Magnetic deviation

Doh, I did mean variation but I was expecting the Almanac to have 2002 values and for every port ...

Sounds like the MMSI is a bit of a farce "call us on the VHF to find out our MMSI"!

Thanks Chris.

 

[DoctorD]

Re: Magnetic deviation

MMSI numbers for calling up boats/shore facilities etc is one of those things that will only work when virtually everyone has one. So at the moment it is not that useful for boat to boat calling and certainly not for boat to shore calling (though I did manage to call up a friend on another boat by using his MMSI last season). The UK Coastguard are now very switched on with regards to DSC and that is the best reason to have it currently. Also at last prices are dropping to halfway sensible levels.

Charts are the only source I know of mag variation

Graham

 

[Guest]

Chris,
You can find details of MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) in the ITU lists (International Telecommunications Union).

The ITU has a web site http://www.itu.int/MARS/

I'm taking the short range VHF DSC (digital selective calling) course in April and when licenced will purchase a fixed VHF DSC set. I must admit that trying to remember what all the abreviations stand for is a right pain! I learnt my phonetic alphabet a long time ago but all the new DSC GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & safety System) acronymes are very confusing. (I'm simple you see).

Eventually the MMSI numbers will become just like you would use telephone numbers. I reckon the main reason to have a DSC set is the almost foolproof way of transmitting a distress call, even by inexperienced operators.

I note several new DSC sets being advertised in the yachting press ads.

 

[trev]

Re: Magnetic deviation

The GMDSS system was obsolete before its inception, but the powers that be daren't admit it and the radio manufacturers, colleges et al are making a fair bit of bunce from, so it they are persevering.
Most ships these days have a phone number just like everyone else.
Lets hope someone sees sense before we are all conned into buying DSC sets and taking meaningless exams.
I took a GMDSS General Operators a few years ago and it was a load of old nonesense!!

Trev

 

[chrisrixon]

I think your're right on all counts. I was a bit miffed that the MMSIs were not in the Reeds that I have just coughed up 32 quid for! It gives the Marina FAX numbers, really useful on a boat ... Chris.

 

[Guest]

Re: Magnetic deviation

I have been trying for ages to get the Hydrographer to put lines of equal magnetic variation in the supplements to the Admiralty pilots. No go. I think Nelson would not have liked it.

William Cooper