VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

[Dunaruna]

The next toy I want is a VHF radio. I've been looking at the new Navman range and I'd appreciate a little advise concerning DSC.<br /><br />It will be mounted next to my GPS so my position will be readily available to broadcast if needed, do I need a unit with DSC? Is this becoming the standard or is it a 'nice to have but not essential' feature?<br /><br />On a relate topic, is MMSI active woldwide or just Nth America?<br /><br />I don't want to buy something that may be obsolete in a few years but the price difference is substantial so any input would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

^

 

[Boatist]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

Can't tell you about your half of the world but here in the USA any new Fixed radio design must have dsc or the design will not be approved. I do not see a big difference in price here. A good radio today with DSC cheaper than a good radio 5 years ago. When monitoring starts it is a good safety iteam.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

If its becoming mandatory up north we'll follow eventually, I'll go DSC, thanks.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

Hi Aldo,<br />When I did my VHF Operator's Lic about 5 years ago we were informed by the Coastguard tutor that DSC was not applicable here at that time but I see sets are available now and the last info I got was that is is going to be available in NZ but when?<br />I have a Uniden MC1020 for my own use.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

Thanks Peter. edit: & TomWV.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[ThomWV]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

The MMSI is part of a world wide system that covers a lot more than simply VHF. But yes, it is world wide and the first three digits of the number identify the country from which the MMSI was issued. If I remember correctly the USA had 336 and 338, or did the last time I looked. Norway has the most numbers prefixes because they have far and away more ocean going boats than anyone else. Most countrys without extremely large populations or sea coasts only have one set of prefixes.<br /><br />Anyway its all stuff governed by international treaty and really does deal with a lot more than VHF. <br /><br />Thom

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

This is for my fellow south pacific boaters.<br /><br />Finally got some accurate information about DSC from the AMSACD (Australian Maritime Safety Authority - Communications Division).<br /><br />It is active and monitored 24/7 by the coastguard. It is complimentary to EPIRB. Activating the DSC is the same as 'May Day', serious fines apply for false calls. All commercial vessels recieving a distress via DSC are obligated to respond by either rescue or relaying information to relevant rescuers. It is not yet mandatory to have a radio with DSC but will become so in the next few years. Registration of the unique I.D. number is free.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

What is the reasoning behind DSC in the first place? How does it work? It seems to me that it merely screams mayday..... does it broadcast your position....? How would it know? Obviously my radio doesn't have this feature. Next one will probably have it.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

Gil,<br /><br />The VHF radio is connected to your GPS, thats how it knows your position. The coastguard gives you a unique ID number when you register, when you push the big red button it transmits your distress including your position. It is the same as mayday just automated. I don't know all the details and other features (and there are many), maybe ThomWv can give a better explanation. <br /><br />Aldo

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

Soooooo... the guys with this DSC option in the newer radios.... yet without GPS are not really hooked up and nothing happens if they push the "Red" button. Or does it do a "Mayday" without the hookup anyway?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: VHF with or without DSC? UPDATE FOR AUST. & N.Z.

It has to be interfaced with a GPS to tranmit co-ordinates otherwise its just a normal VHF radio.<br /><br />Probably one day they'll make a radio with GPS built in.<br /><br />Aldo