VHF-DSC specific procedure sticker

[peter2407]

I seem to be able to find the old style VHF instructions for going on the boat, but not the DSC version. Any ideas where I can source a digital version of one so that I can edit it to add call sign etc? Thanks as ever.

 

[Simondjuk]

I'm not sure about a digital one, but the MCA will post you a self-adhesive, fill-in-the-blanks DSC mayday procedure sticker for nowt. There's a page on their website where you can request one along with other things such as a SOLAS V lifesaving signals card etc.

 

[Marsupial]

I think the problem is that the operation procedure for DSC sets is different for every one so unlike the simple "select CH16 and say this" type of instruction a DSC one size fits all mayday guide is not feasible. We made our own.

 

[lustyd]

I think the problem is that the operation procedure for DSC sets is different for every one so unlike the simple "select CH16 and say this" type of instruction a DSC one size fits all mayday guide is not feasible. We made our own.

The emergency procedure isn't, it's part of the standard.

 

[lustyd]

I'm not sure about a digital one, but the MCA will post you a self-adhesive, fill-in-the-blanks DSC mayday procedure sticker for nowt. There's a page on their website where you can request one along with other things such as a SOLAS V lifesaving signals card etc.

They also hand them out at boat shows. I get a couple a year and always seem to find homes for them.

 

[david_bagshaw]

I seem to be able to find the old style VHF instructions for going on the boat, but not the DSC version. Any ideas where I can source a digital version of one so that I can edit it to add call sign etc? Thanks as ever.

5star marine put one up here somewhere, but I cant find it.

however send me a pm with a email addy & I will e mail you a copy, as i filled one in and laminated it etc.

 

[maxi77]

Does no one try google, I found a modifyable form in a second with google

 

[rob2]

I just downloaded the btinternet version and was expanding the call sign into phonetic spelling and then wondered - should the one say MMSI or Mike Mike Sierra India?

Rob.

 

[nigelmercier]

Does no one try google, I found a modifyable form in a second with google

Yes, but was it current? In a previous thread I discovered the wording had changed, and I believe they now suggest a pause part way through.

 

[Dave_Seager]

...should the one say MMSI or Mike Mike Sierra India?

Rob.

This came up on our course last year and we were advised that "MMSI" is sufficient.

 

[prv]

This came up on our course last year and we were advised that "MMSI" is sufficient.

Likewise, and it also seems to be what the Coastguard use.

Pete

 

[rob2]

Thanks Guys,

I seemed to remember it that way, but it's been some time since I did the course!

Rob.

 

[chanelyacht]

Likewise, and it also seems to be what the Coastguard use.

Pete

Yep, just MMSI is correct.

 

[Plevier]

5star marine put one up here somewhere, but I cant find it.

however send me a pm with a email addy & I will e mail you a copy, as i filled one in and laminated it etc.

http://www.5starmarine.co.uk/images/5Star_Mayday.pdf
You can type into it then print it.

 

[greenalien]

Having the instructions laminated and displayed next to the DSC set is a good idea, but I think it's better to type up your own, as the exact procedure may vary from set to set - e.g. how long to hold down red button, possible Menu options for selecting type of distress - and it's certainly worth writing down the phoenetic spelling of your boat name and callsign. It also then gives you the choice of typeface size and style, which can make a lot of difference to legibility.

 

[gandy]

I created a vessel specific card for ourselves, specific also to the Icom 421 set. PM me if you'd like a copy and I'll dig out the original which I think I did in Visio.

 

[nigelmercier]

Yes, but was it current? In a previous thread I discovered the wording had changed, and I believe they now suggest a pause part way through.

I was given this card by the guy doing the RYA DSC Refresher Course at the Boat Show:

The MMSI and Call Sign themselves should be spoken according to the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet. In particular, numbers should be spoken as: zero, wun, too, tree, fow-er, fife, six, sev-en, ait, niner.

I suggest that everyone makes their own version of this, in a font they can read without glasses and stick it above the radio. I've uploaded the version I use (in Word 97 format) here. Right click the link and select Save Target As...

Obviously you will need to modify this for your VHF, boat name, MMSI and Call Sign. Also note the text refers to "West".

 

[lustyd]

Having the instructions laminated and displayed next to the DSC set is a good idea, but I think it's better to type up your own, as the exact procedure may vary from set to set - e.g. how long to hold down red button, possible Menu options for selecting type of distress - and it's certainly worth writing down the phoenetic spelling of your boat name and callsign. It also then gives you the choice of typeface size and style, which can make a lot of difference to legibility.

can you give an example of a different one? I've been told numerous times that it's part of the standard.

 

[nigelmercier]

can you give an example of a different one? I've been told numerous times that it's part of the standard.

The procedure to make an emergency distress call may be standard, but does your crew know it? See my example Word document linked in Post #17.