There seems to be an awful lot that I dont know.

[burgundyben]

Er, this is another one of the 'I think I should know the answer to this' type of posts.

If I look at a profile on here, it says in one of the boxes MMSI (DSC ID), what is this?

I think this is something to do with the new DSC radios, I have a vhf which is about 7 years old, but what is DSC? is it what I have also heard of being referred to as GMDSS? I guess there will be a book in the swindlery about it. Will my vhf become obsolete (like my fire extinguishers)?





For sale, 1970 Triumph Spitfire, 1947 Lambretta, 1922 Great grandmother, PM for details.

 

[Geoffs]

There's quite a good article in the July issue of 'All At Sea', explains most of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) terms. Can usually find a freebie copy somewhere.

Briefly, DSC is part of GMDSS ( Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), it allows for distress/SOS transmission at the touch of a button, instead of Mayday, Mayday etc.

It also alows calls to be made to other station just like a moblie phone, by dialing a number. DSC sets have a unique number, the MMSI (Marine Maritime Service Identity).

After 2005, I think it is, the MCA will not monitor channel 16, so existing sets will become obsolete for distress purposes, in theory. You need to do another course to get a certificate for DSC, as well.

Old Chinese proverb 'Man who sail boat into rice field, soon get into paddy'

 

[ccscott49]

DSC=Digital Selective Calling, (without which, GMDSS would not work) MMSI number, is the number you are given, when you either register a GMDSS EPIRB or a GMDSS DSC, VHF! (Class "D") in our case. You need the MMSI number, so somebody can select your set to transmit to, similar in effect to a telephone number and also to identify who is transmitting a MAYDAY, with DSC VHF or EPIRB. (it's progammed in). There was also SELCALL, which I believe was an early DSC system!! Confused yet? Mike from the Radio Comunications agency can answer all this far better than I can, I only have a GMDSS SRC, which allows me to operate all this VHF stuff! Great fun all these letters eh! Specially designed to confuse the hell out of us all!

 

[Mike_Martin]

Hi Ben,

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System is the first upgrade of the Maritime radio service in over 50 years. Although, within the "Voluntary Fit" (pleasure craft) sector it is mainly looked at regarding VHF and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) it affects all Maritime radio equipment. For example, equipment such as MF/HF DSC, Inmarsat, EPIRBS, PLBs are all part of GMDSS. It is a World-wide standard for Marine safety communications mainly directed at Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention vessels who must carry their radio equipment by law. However, everything directed at SOLAS will, of course, affect Voluntary Fit vessels if they choose to use radio.

The GMDSS was implemented on 01/02/99 at which time the actual status of Channel 16 changed, it actually isn't the International Distress, Safety and Calling Channel anymore that is now Channel 70. However, in order to ensure that Voluntary Fit vessels weren't "set adrift" Distress-wise the IMO passed a resolution that SOLAS vessels should continue to monitor C16 where it was practicable, (although. we have received plenty of anecdotal evidence that this is not happening). HMCG decided to continue a full "headphone" watch on C16 until 2005 from then on it will be a "loudspeaker" only watch.

To sum up in very basic terms Voluntary Fit vessels don't have to carry radio equipment, however, if you choose to do so it would of course be sensible getting kit that actually works. At present, C16 is guaranteed to get you through to HMCG, other pleasure craft and some Merchant vessels. After 2005, it gets less certain, as HMCG will only have a loudspeaker in the corner of an Ops Room and the personnel will be waiting for DSC alarms rather than voice calls. The rest of the SOLAS vessels will be monitoring C70 (and C13 in situation where a danger of collision exists). That leaves only those pleasure craft that haven't got the right kit switched on guaranteed to hear you.

This is a very brief potted background of the situation for pleasure craft. I am always happy to answer questions. Although, I will be away visiting Marinas in the Falmouth area for the next few days I will try to answer any further questions when I return or if it can wait come and see me at Soton.

MIke

Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section,
Radiocommunications Agency

 

[burgundyben]

Thanks chaps, so, in short, I am ok for the time being and will get a MMSI when I get a DSC radio.

I hold a restricted SSB license from about ten years ago, but I guess doing a DSC course is on the cards.

Following the successfull completion of a batch of 'Huntsman' badges on our laser cutter at work, I now need a set of plans for an Albatross........



For sale, 1970 Triumph Spitfire, 1947 Lambretta, 1922 Great grandmother, PM for details.

 

[Geoffs]

'visiting Marinas in the Falmouth area for the next few days '

Uh oh, does that mean licence checks, watch out Falmouth!!!

Seriously though, Mike, if that what it does mean, good on yer! Dodgers need to be kept in check for the benefit of us all.

Old Chinese proverb 'Man who sail boat into rice field, soon get into paddy'

 

[Mike_Martin]

Geoff,

Yes that is what it means I was down there in June doing an awareness campaign and letting people know what was needed and what was coming. This weekend I will be shadowing enforcement officers following up.

Mike

Manager,
Aeronautical & Maritime Section,
Radiocommunications Agency

 

[burgundyben]

Mike,

Thank you, a refreshinly comprehensive and informative post, I will come and see you at Southampton.

I hope others hereabouts take the time to read it carefully.



For sale, 1970 Triumph Spitfire, 1947 Lambretta, 1922 Great grandmother, PM for details.

 

[Col]

BurgundyBen, BurgundyBen, BurgundyBen this is Col, Col, Col for a radio check, over.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>

 

[ccscott49]

more like a bloody reality/sanity check! tee hee
Colin.

 

[lanason]

You two don't need a radio !!!!


Adrian

......the answer is not 42 - so what is it ?? ........