DSC - Do you use it?

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MANXPEDRO

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19 Sep 2007
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RAMSEY, ISLE OF MAN
www.ramseybedandbreakfast.com
I did the dsc course years ago, but haven't used it as it should be. I've only used it for calling on 16, then off to another channel. The area I'm in, nobody seems to use it at all.
Who actually calls up another vessel with their mmsi number?
Also, would it be acceptable to call Liverpool CG via dsc for routine traffic calls?

Just wondering, that's all!
 
MANXPEDRO said:
I did the dsc course years ago, but haven't used it as it should be. I've only used it for calling on 16, then off to another channel. The area I'm in, nobody seems to use it at all.
Who actually calls up another vessel with their mmsi number?
Also, would it be acceptable to call Liverpool CG via dsc for routine traffic calls?

Just wondering, that's all!
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I guess you haven't used it. The reason 'nobody seems to use it at all' is that you don't hear a DSC call that isn't intended for you!

The CG prefers you to call them on DSC (Ch 70) and often puts out messages to say so. It's the easiest way of calling your mates and you don't risk overspeaking distress calls and, if you have AIS, you can contact approaching ships direct to check they've seen you and plan to avoid you.

It's a flawed system but the best we've got at the moment.
 
Never used it. Where I sail we use Ch 69 as a local hailing frequency and for the morning cruisers net, Ch 72 and 06 are marina working channels and 16 is the emergency channel and open water hailing frequency.
 
It's a great way to call your mates without alerting the rest of the Solent (or wherever). You do need to obtain their MMSI numbers beforehand, of course.

It's also good to (routine) call the CG on DSC occasionally to check that the DSC function is working OK and that the CG have you in their MMSI database.
 
I use it to call the CG for my once-a-year DSC and voice radio check, and again when I want to talk to them for any other reason.
 
Playtime said:
It's a great way to call your mates without alerting the rest of the Solent (or wherever). You do need to obtain their MMSI numbers beforehand, of course.

It's also good to (routine) call the CG on DSC occasionally to check that the DSC function is working OK and that the CG have you in their MMSI database.
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If you have AIS then you can obtian the other boats MMSI number if they also have AIS

Peter
 
I like it and use it to call a lot of people.

The CG systems aren't integrated though, so i hear, so they don't see who you are instantly - have to access a separate system and find you - so if you do call them it can take a moment for them to get back to you.

On a side note it can be funny calling a friend just as they are about to berth - it can make a really annoying beeping at just the right time ;-)

J
 
To me its just another one of those 'good idea at the time' developments which was overtaken by advances in technology before it even became really established. Anyone remember SelCall in the dying days of ship-to-shore radio links on VHF?
 
Isn't that what a mobile phone is for?
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Yes, thank goodness - there's now a lot less inane chatter on the VHF, so you do have a chance of being able to use it if you need to!

Using DSC in conjunction with AIS is one of its main benefits, especially when crossing tracks with something big in poor vis - you can make sure that they have you on their radar, and you can confirm your intentions nice and easily.
 
I can operate computers, cars, mobile phones and aeroplanes, but my DSC radio is the most complicated thing I own and it's a well known make, latest model.

The user manual looks like the detailed guide to the space shuttle and some things are so complicated to do it would be quicker to swim ashore.

No wonder most people don't bother.
 
Always use the DSC for contacting groups and individuals so much easier than trying to find a clear radio slot in the 'chatter' of the Solent and completes radio check each time.
 
One of the problems with DSC is that there is no 'telephone directory' so if you want to call another vessel, you probably don't know what their MMSI is.

I don't even know how to find the MMSI for the CG stations. Are they in Reeds? If so, I can't find them
 
Like others, I don't use DSC much, but then again I don't use the VHF much altogether.

However, I recently acquired a SH handheld with DSC and am finding the position polling and reporting functions to be very handy. Out in the dink out of sight of the mother ship, and want to know range and bearing home? A couple of key presses and you have a waypoint. If you're cruising in company, you will always know where your companions are. Very useful and very simple to use!

The DSC call functions, at least on my radios, are also totally simple to use. You enter MMSI numbers of your contacts, and these go into a phone book list. A couple of key presses, and you've made a DSC call to anyone in your list. Simples!
 
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