GMDSS - text messages

[scotty123]

Please settle an argument.

Can I, if I have a vessel's MMSI number, send it a 'text' message (similar to SMS on a mobile) using my DSC VHF?

or,

Can I only send a 'menu' generated message.

 

[stephenh]

"Should you want to send a text message you can either :
1. Pre-programme the messages into the radio using a keyboard, this can then be send at the press of a single button and would be used for messages such as distress signals
2. You can type out your message prior to transmission using a keyboard then send it. Both of these will then appear as text on a screen attached to the receiving radio. "


See here for more :

http://www.sailing.ie/inside/default.asp?pageId=226

and Google

 

[JonBrooks]

This function is not available on Class D DSC units, only Class A as used by large commercial vessels.

So for the average boater the answer is no you can not.

All the best

 

[stephenh]

Whoops !! - thank you Jon - I have learned something....... should some one tell the others ?


Don't trust the Internet...........

 

[JonBrooks]

[ QUOTE ]
Whoops !! - thank you Jon - I have learned something....... should some one tell the others ?


Don't trust the Internet...........

[/ QUOTE ]

This is and should be covered when you do the VHF SRC course!

 

[alant]

Jon, what's a DX'er?

"This function is not available on Class D DSC units, only Class A as used by large commercial vessels.

So for the average boater the answer is no you can not."

Useful info, not a lot of people know that!

Most I have spoken too, assume they can make contact on an individual vessel basis, on their standard yachty VHF, by simply dialling in MMSI.
Perhaps YM/PBO/RYA etc could do an article in their next publication.

Can you confirm to the forum, that (I assume) you are the ex-ICOM Jon Brooks, so might have more than the usual expertise in this topic?

 

[JonBrooks]

Alan,

You can raise another vessel by means of an Individual Call" using their MMSI number but you can not send SMS messages.

Yes I am JB ex of Icom.

 

[scotty123]

You can raise another vessel by means of an Individual Call" using their MMSI number but you can not send SMS messages.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, what exactly happens.

eg - You dial up their MMSI & send what?

Can you send 'any' self authored message?
Or does it just alert them that you have called?

 

[JonBrooks]

You can alert another vessel using its MMSI number, at this time you can also selcet a working channel for both vessels.

The only "text" sent with a class D DSC is the type of distress if you are sending a DSC Mayday.
Here you have the option to select a one word message from a pre stored list that is closest to the type of distress you are in.