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VHF - Digital Select Call Radios

 

Did you Know?

 

You can register your VHF DSC radio on line.

It will not cost you.

You will receive your MMSI number and call sign immediately.

 

Why is this important?

 

Should you ever be in distress the use of your distress call button could be a life saver.

Pressing the button will transmit your MMSI number and location (if it is wired to your GPS).

This in turn will supply your boat details to the coastguard.

 It will save vital time in an emergency (but should be followed by a verbal Mayday call if time permits).

 

How do I register?

 

Go to www.ofcom.org.uk and select Ofcom  Licensing Service Centre, ships radio. Follow the instructions to register as a new user or log in if you already hold a ships license. Then simply answer all the questions as you work your way through the pages. You will be asked for your own details, boat details and emergency contact details of another person. On completion of the application you will be given your new MMSI number and call sign for your vessel with the option of printing it out, which you should always do.

 

Once registered you can access your details any time and amend if necessary.

 

What do I do when I have my MMSI number?

 

The MMSI number, which will be unique to your vessel, needs to be entered into your radio. Each manufacturer will have their own input process so you will need to read the instructions that apply to your radio. Once entered there is no way to amend an incorrectly entered number so you will be asked to enter it twice as a safe guard.

 

Once entered into your radio as well as being used in an emergency it will become your vessel telephone number., Simply put this means other DSC radio users can call you directly over the radio just like a phone, the radio will even ring when called!

 

You can enter other vessels MMSI numbers into a directory on your radio just like a phone book.

 

THINK SAFE, BE SAFE

 

If you have a DSC radio on board, or are thinking of getting one, register it now.

 

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MIGHT NEED IT!