User Manual

GX1600/GX1700
Page 38
9 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
9.1 GENERAL
WARNING
The GX1600 and GX1700 are designed to generate digital mari-
time distress and safety calls to facilitate search and rescue. To
be effective as a safety device, this equipment must be used only
within communication range of a shore-based VHF marine channel
70 distress and safety watch system. The range of signal may vary,
however under normal conditions should be approximately 20 nauti-
cal miles.
Digital Selective Calling is a semi-automated method of establishing a radio
call, it has been designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
as an international standard for establishing VHF, MF and HF radio calls. It
has also been designated as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System (GMDSS).
Digital Selective Calling allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with
GPS position (when connected to the transceiver) to the US Coast Guard and
other vessels within range of the transmission. DSC will also allow mariners to
initiate or receive Distress, Urgency, Safety, Routine, Position Request, Posi-
tion Report, Automatic Position Polling and Group calls to or from another
vessel equipped with a DSC transceiver.
NOTE
A DSC Warning sticker is included with the
GX1600 and GX1700. To comply with FCC regu-
lations this sticker must be mounted in a location
that can be easily viewed from the location of the
GX1600 and GX1700.
WARNING
STICKER
9.2 MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE IDENTITY (MMSI)
9.2.1 What is an MMSI?
An MMSI is a nine digit number used on marine transceivers capable of using
Digital Selective Calling (DSC). This number is used like a telephone number
to selectively call other vessels.
THIS NUMBER MUST BE PROGRAMMED INTO THE RADIO TO OPER-
ATE DSC FUNCTIONS.