oz_brett Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 when I bought my VHF radio I made certain that I got a DSC compatable one. I have registered the unit and set it up with my dsc number. now that I have it all set up I dont use it, do any of you guys use it? if I was to start using it is it realy worth having? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbielites Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 If it is set up properly yes it is. The major benefit of Digital Select Calling is that your location is transmitted when a distress call is made. That in it's self has to be enough reason to use it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evets Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 If it is set up properly yes it is. The major benefit of Digital Select Calling is that your location is transmitted when a distress call is made. That in it's self has to be enough reason to use it? Yes but only if it is interfaced with a GPS. The beauty of the DSC is that since you have registered your MMSI in an emergency, you can press the DSC button once knowing that your details will be broadcast without you having to do anything else. Other boaters who have a DSC VHF will receive your distress message and may be able to respond to your distress call much more quickly than the coast guard or police. Imagine this.... you are plaining in your boat out to the shelf. Suddenly and quite unexpectidely, you hit a submerged shipping container. You see the water pouring in through a 2 foot gash below your waterline and your boat starts going down - fast. You are stunned and dazed for few moments while you come to your senses and realise what has just happened. By now the cabin is full of water and the water us up to your knees. You are busy getting yourself and crew into thier life jackets. You dont have time to call a mayday. You hit the DSC knowing that while you are putting on your PFDs a mayday message has been sent with your details for the coast guard, police and other boaters to hear. At the last second you grab the EPIRB from out of the cabin and activate that too. I know that in the event of an emergency that Id want my call for help to be heard by as many people as possible. So yes, my GPS is interfaced with my DSC VHF. Steve Oh BTW my ICOM radio has an optional plug in unit that I could use to program in the MMSI of my fishing buds. Provided they have the same plug in unit, I could use it to hail them if I found a hot bite to let them know where it was without letting anyone else know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oz_brett Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 Mine is all set up including connection to gps and registered mmsi number but no one seems to use it to its full potential. why dont we use it to see if our mates are on the water and where they are. I think its all too complicated. if we were using it more often we would be more confident in using it when we are in need also we would know if they are working correctly. Mine is showing my co-ordiantes on the radio but I dont know if they will be sent if an emergency occurs then its to late to find its not working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
szakacs Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Why don't we start a Fishraider MMSI group ... Post our MMSI numbers on the forum and then we program our radios with the members MMSI's and then when we are out and about we hail the group and see who replies in that general area ..... Could be good for socialising and / or fish spotting on the water and who to avoid Could be fun ....... Garry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now