VHF DSC - confused

[alanw1947]

You can add a VHF portable to your existing ship's radio licence at the Ofcom website. However if it has DSC then it has to be registered separately but according to OFCOM can only be used within our territorial waters (UK).

Visit the site at:HERE

So what mobile handset can you use in UK and continental waters? which handheld is for use on Euro canals?

Alan

 

[l'escargot]

A handheld VHF DSC can only be licensed fo use in UK waters. A non DSC VHF can be licenced for UK and all continental waters.

 

[alanw1947]

Thanks - is there a special VHF radio requirement for euro canal - or is a non-DSC OK?
So why would we buy a DSC handheld for UK waters only?

 

[mikemanor]

For the Euro canals you will need an ATIS enabled VHF Radio. You will also need to get a "Notice of Variation" for your Ship's Radio Licence from Ofcom. This will issue you a 10 digit ATIS Number - which is actually your MMSI with a 9 in front. Ofcom will also notify the ATIS authorities so that your ATIS number is recognised from the "Database"

http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/ships-radio/faq/atis-faq/

 

[maby]

Thanks - is there a special VHF radio requirement for euro canal - or is a non-DSC OK?
So why would we buy a DSC handheld for UK waters only?

In practice, there's no way you are going to be caught for using a DSC Handie in continental waters provided you keep your finger away from the DSC button.

 

[alanw1947]

So what would be the best combination - a switchable DSC/ATIS VHF in the wheelhouse and a bog-standard handheld with or without DSC?

 

[jerrytug]

If you will be holidaying in Holland rather than permanently keeping the boat there, just forget ATIS, they don't require or expect foreign tourists to even know what it means, let alone have it fitted.
HH DSC is only licensed for UK territorial waters, but you can switch off the DSC function. Although why you would you, since it is such a potential lifesaver? Nobody can hear you've got DSC, unless you use it to contact them, or for a distress, in which case the more the merrier and never mind the rules.
Cheers Jerry

 

[alanw1947]

Thanks - that floats my boat.

 

[nigelmercier]

In practice, there's no way you are going to be caught for using a DSC Handie in continental waters provided you keep your finger away from the DSC button.

Unless you need the red one.

 

[Bilgediver]

So what would be the best combination - a switchable DSC/ATIS VHF in the wheelhouse and a bog-standard handheld with or without DSC?

I blieve some DSC radios inhibit the DSC function when ATIS is selected???

 

[niton1948]

ATIS is a Automatic Transmitter Identification System.
The callsign of the sending boat is sent at the end of the transmission in a digital coded series of tones and then decodet by the receiver.
And finaly displayed at the receivers display.
So any receiver can distinguish if you have sended out a call with the ATIS,
or if you sended the call with a Non-ATIS radio.
E.g. with a Non-ATIS handheld or a DSC only radio.
Thats how it works, and every lock can see the missing Callsign.
Greetings Wilhelm
I make SRC Training in Hamburg for sailors