46 Technical Feature

DSC - The Facts

DIGITAL
SELECTIVE
CALLING
Still got queries over DSC? Market leaders Icom, assist Rib International
readers by answering many of your most commonly asked questions...
a radio-based communications preformatted distress message, of nine digits uniquely identifies
system designed to support the are used to initiate emergency a radio station (vessel) or group
implementation of search and communications with ships and of radio stations (vessels). When
rescue (SAR) plans. The system rescue co-ordination centres. The sending a DSC message the
provides for automatic distress effective range of communications MMSI is automatically included,
alerting and locating in cases when sending digital signals is and you can address messages to

D
SC is a subject that will where a radio operator doesn't also improved. specific vessels or groups using
affect a wide range of have time to send a MAYDAY call, When fully implemented, their MMSIs. The MMSI has an
boat users. There are a and, for the first time, requires DSC will eliminate the need for internationally agreed format (just
lot of misconceptions about this ships to receive broadcasts of an individual on a ship's bridge, like a telephone number) and
subject and what is really going maritime safety information that or shore station, to continually it identifies the type of station,
to happen in the future. For could prevent a distress from monitor radio receivers on voice country of registration and vessel
example, the VHF Channel 16 (Ch happening in the first place. radio channels, in particular VHF identity. In the UK MMSIs are
16) watch by SOLAS vessels and GMDSS consists of several Ch 16 (156.8MHz) and HF 2182 assigned as a part of the ship's
Coastguards was scheduled to end systems, some of which are new, kHz. The 2182 kHz listening watch radio licensing procedure.
on 31 January 2005. However, but many of which have already aboard GMDSS-equipped SOLAS
it is probable that this date will been in operation for a number ships has already ended. This GMDSS for the small boat user
be postponed. The International years. The system will be able to finished on 1 February 1999. The Maritime organisations such as
Maritime Organisation (IMO) is reliably perform the following VHF Ch 16 watch will end in due HM Coastguard, Maritime and
currently reviewing the situation functions: course. Coastguard Agency (MCA),
with a view to extending this Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
requirement to listen out on Ch 16 • Alerting (including position How do I get in on the fun? and the Royal National Lifeboat
beyond 2005. determination of the unit in A DSC controller is required. This Institution (RNLI) are encouraging
What we are going to do is distress); is simply a unit that encodes and small craft which have voluntarily
to give the consumer as much • Search and rescue co-ordination; interprets DSC messages. This fitted VHF radio to fit VHF DSC.
information about this subject as locating (homing); unit may be an external 'add- Peter Dymond, Head of Search
possible so that they can make • Maritime safety information on' but increasingly it is being and Rescue at the Maritime &
an informed decision when broadcasts; offered, built-in, to VHF radios. Coastguard Agency offers this
purchasing VHF/DSC or upgrading • General communications; DSC controllers have the ability advice. 'HM Coastguard co-
current VHF equipment. • Bridge-to-bridge to alert another vessel or rescue ordination centres monitor VHF
communications. centre directly and exclusively Ch 16 via loudspeaker only. The
Background of Safety at Sea and alert them to the fact that primary means of distress alerting
For many years H.M. Coastguard Specific radio carriage you want to talk, before opening in the VHF marine band should be
have carried out a listening watch requirements depend upon the voice communications in the via VHF/DSC.
on Ch 16 on VHF radio. They ship's area of operation, rather normal manner, on the normal The monitoring of VHF
have provided a co-ordinated than its tonnage. The system also VHF channels. In this respect, the Channel 16 watch is likely to
safety and information service provides backup means of distress system works rather like a pager continue for the time being,
to all maritime users, from large alerting and emergency sources of with the recipient being alerted as IMO has not endorsed any
commercial vessels to small boat power. by an audio alarm, with different cessation of that commitment and,
enthusiasts around our coastline. sounds for routine and distress in fact, for vessels it has stated
Ever increasing levels of marine So DSC? calls. that ships at sea should continue
traffic coupled with the need to DSC (Digital Selective Calling), as Most importantly, before to monitor VHF Ch 16 when
offer a modern, automated and its name implies, uses digital data, putting out an urgency safety practicable.'
co-ordinated service throughout rather than voice, to call other message you can digitally alert He continues, ‘The policy for
Europe has meant that radical radios and transfer information 'all ship''. Or before broadcasting the remainder of maritime Europe
changes were called for. between them. This mechanism a Mayday, in the time-honoured is, as far as I am aware, much
provides several important benefits format, you can transmit a distress the same as for the UK. We are
GMDSS and All That including increased volume and alert at the press of a red button, committed to VHF/DSC both for
The SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) accuracy of data and the ability to which will set off an alarm in ship routine and distress/urgency/safety
International Convention laid direct the information to specific and shore stations within radio communications.'
down a wide range of measures addressees (hence Selective Call). range. Stephen Johnson, RYA
designed to improve and maintain DSC is primarily intended to Cruising Manager strongly advises
the safety of shipping. It applies to initiate ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, Anything Else? - What is an boat users, 'When considering
a wide range of commercial and and shore-to-ship radiotelephone MMSI? either buying or replacing your
passenger vessels. and MF/HF radio-telex calls. DSC A Maritime Mobile Service Identity main VHF set, go for a DSC
GMDSS (Global Maritime calls can also be made to individual (MMSI) number is assigned to all version.' He added, ‘We do not
Distress and Safety System) is ships or groups of ships. DSC vessels and is programmed into wish to see a decision being made
an integral part of SOLAS and is distress alerts, which consist of a your DSC controller. This series which stops the obligation on
48 Technical Feature
DSC - The Facts

ships to monitor Ch 16 in 2007. data message is very basic and will ordination centres now requires a
The RYA will lobby that monitoring only contain the sending stations different approach to managing
continues, as they believe that Identity Number, the category an Operations Room, which
there are not enough GMDSS of call, and the voice channel is not helped if an operator is
units at the current time.' on which to communicate. So continuously tied to a single task.
Rick Raeburn, Leisure Boat Safety we can't use DSC to send a text However, our Operations Room
Manager from the RNLI said, 'The message like the mobile phone, Managers can still undertake a
RNLI's position regarding DSC and it certainly hasn't made voice headset watch on VHF Ch 16 if
for leisure boaters is that there communications obsolete. the risk, current operations, noise
are definite safety advantages in It is true the UK Coastguard levels or other circumstances
having a DSC equipped radio and have said they are going to demand it.'
we have been encouraging boat maintain a Ch 16 listening watch He added, 'Our state of
owners to switch for some time.' for the foreseeable future, but the art Integrated Coastguard
John Finch from RT Training gives acknowledged that DSC was Communications System (ICCS)
a Trainer's Perspective about designed to eliminate the Ch 16 also provides an instant playback
VHF/DSC units. He says, 'In my listening watch. So in the near facility for VHF Ch 16, and
experience the majority of students future don't expect other vessels additionally, and the other VHF
attending a RYA Short Range to respond to your calls on Ch 16, channels being monitored. Despite
Course (SRC) have already bought and understand that outside of these changes, HM Coastguard
their VHF DSC equipment and they UK Waters foreign Coastguards will continue to be responsible for
wish to learn how to use it, and may not be listening on Ch 16 but the integrity of VHF Ch 16, which
to be legal. That's excellent, but I require you to call by DSC initially. means ensuring that the Channel
have always considered students As SRC students gain an is only used for distress, urgency
would be better advised to attend understanding of the system they and brief safety communications
the course prior to making the realise DSC is not for emergency including the announcement
equipment purchase. use only, but rather something of maritime safety information
Despite numerous articles they will use on a regular basis broadcasts, and for establishing
about GMDSS in the Boating press for routine contact with other other communications which
many students initially have some vessels and shore stations. With should be transferred to a suitable you are most likely to have a VHF-
misconceptions about the system this realisation they take a much working channel.' only licence. This is still valid, but
and the equipment. more critical look at the DSC Peter further added, 'We only for non-DSC radios: if you
For example: equipment itself. They come to also continue to recommend the use a radio with a DSC facility, you
appreciate that small screens make installation of effective suitable need to upgrade to a Short Range
• DSC is just used in Distress. reading the messages difficult, equipment on vessels and would Certificate (SRC). In theory, you
When you hit the red button, how background screen lighting is remind seafarers that mobile can do this by taking a direct-entry
you then get rescued. important and why small buttons phones cannot be totally relied exam, or by taking half of the
• DSC makes voice make equipment operation upon when at sea for distress and one-day SRC course, followed by
communications obsolete – you difficult, especially on a moving other emergency calls.' the exam. In practice, most people
text each other like on a mobile boat. This conveniently returns This is a change in emphasis in this situation take the whole
phone. me to my first point, which was, and priority that all cruising course – because it usually costs
• DSC is unnecessary since the UK it's better to do the course before sailors or motor cruisers should the same and virtually guarantees
Coastguard is keeping the Ch 16 buying the equipment.' be aware of. Also, at some date that you'll pass.
listening watch. in the future, other countries'
But will GMDSS actually affect coastguards may cease a Ch 16 What if I don't want DSC?
During the SRC course the concept me when I'm boating? watch altogether. The date for this Just as there is no legal
of the DSC system is explained, Yes. Large commercial ships may action is presently under review requirement for private leisure
which soon dispels some of no longer keep a listening watch at the International Maritime craft to have a VHF radio, there is
those popular misconceptions. In on Ch 16, so they may not hear Organisation (IMO), which is the no requirement that forces you to
essence the system is designed to you calling on VHF unless you have maritime branch of the UN. carry a DSC controller. Therefore
eliminate the need for shipping a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) you can fit an Icom IC-M503 VHF
and shore stations to maintain a set. At the end of January 2005 Do I need a licence? or even an IC-M401 VHF and carry
listening watch on Ch 16, instead the UK Coastguard will cease You need a licence to operate on with voice-only VHF – saving
equipment monitoring for data their dedicated headset watch a VHF/DSC radio. In the case of yourself the complexity of DSC
transmissions on Ch 70 keeps on Ch 16, although Coastguard DSC radio, you need to ask for and the time of exchanging your
watch. To make contact with stations will still monitor Ch an MMSI number to be issued old 'VHF only' licence to a new-
another station an alert (wake-up) 16 on a loudspeaker in their when you apply for the Ship Radio style 'SRC'.
data transmission on channel 70 operations rooms. Peter Dymond, Licence. You also need to make Distress calling with DSC
is sent, which contains the voice Head of Search and Rescue has sure that you have the appropriate The big selling point of DSC is
channel on which you wish to this to say, 'The increasing range authority to operate. For new its ability to make automatic
communicate. of communications methods users, this isn't a problem: sailing distress calls. At little more than
Undoubtedly, in Distress available to the mariner and the schools and local authorities all the touch of a button, you can
you do hit the Red Button and it other tasks now undertaken by over the country offer one-day alert ships and coastguards to the
does send out a comprehensive Coastguard Rescue Co-ordination courses leading to the Short Range fact that you're in distress and
text message but subsequent Centre staff, and the flexibility Certificate (SRC), which is all you simultaneously tell them what is
communications are by voice on generated by the establishment need. wrong and where to find you. The
Ch 16. of operational partnerships If you qualified for your standard procedure for generating
For non-distress traffic the between neighbouring co- licence before September 2000, that distress call is as follows:
50 Technical Feature
DSC - The Facts
distress and urgency alerts if a DSC craft voluntarily fitted with VHF Further sources
radio set is interfaced with a GPS
navigator (if it isn't, the position
to install VHF DSC. It is not a
requirement to own a DSC set
of information:
can be manually input). Secondly, at this time, although it should International Maritime
a digital alert is more certain of be noted that HMCG no longer Organisation (IMO)
reaching a maritime rescue centre maintains a dedicated headset Tel: 0207 7357611.
than voice transmission, having a watch of CH 16, although a www.imo.org
15 per cent greater range and not loudspeaker watch is still kept.
being prone to misunderstanding. This was a move away from the Maritime and Coastguard
Thirdly the increasing use of the original date of 2005. Agency (MCA)
digital broadcasting channel, Tel: 0870 6006505.
Ch 70, should free up Ch 16 for 2. Buy new VHF. If you boat inland www.mcga.gov.uk
use during an emergency which in a RIB or just off shore and don't
will still be available for making want the complication of a DSC, Offcom
contact. then a small-dedicated VHF like Tel: 0207 981 3000.
• Lift the protective cover over the Although there is no legal the IC-M401 would be ideal. If www.ofcom.org.uk
panic button requirement for small boats to you have a powerboat or yacht
• Press and hold the panic button, fit GMDSS equipment, you will and just want fixed VHF with Royal Yachting
usually between three and five still be indirectly affected by its dual station control, then the IC- Association (RYA)
seconds. implementation. Once DSC is fully M503 (see picture on right) and Tel: 0845 345 0400
• The radio will send a distress implemented, any small boat in Commandmic should be on the www.rya.org.uk
message distress without some form of DSC shopping list. Both the IC-M503
• The display indicates that the equipment on board could find and IC-M401 are DSC compatible Royal National Lifeboat
distress message has been sent. that there is no-one listening when so you could buy a DS-100 at a Institution (RNLI)
Wait for an acknowledgement. they transmit on Ch 16! later date. Tel: 0800 543210.
If no acknowledgement is www.rnli.org.uk
received, the radio will What should you buy? 3. Feel safe and prepare for the
automatically repeat the call at Essentially, there are a number of future and buy either the compact RT Training
intervals of about four minutes. choices: IC-M421 (see picture on right), Tel: 02392 462 122.
which is ideal for RIBs or where www.marineradio.co.uk
The Case for DSC 1. Carry on using your existing space is at a premium. Or you
There is no question that GMDSS VHF radio for as long as it still could purchase the IC-M601, Corporate background
has a big part to play in improving works. You do not have to go out which is a larger unit that can give Icom (UK) Ltd was established
safety at sea and it is here to stay. and immediately buy a DSC set. you dual station control (the full in 1974 and is the sole UK and
Firstly, a vessel's position and the The MCA and HM Coastguard are DSC solution.) First time buyers are Republic of Ireland importer and
time are automatically included in merely encouraging all pleasure advised to choose this option. distributor for Icom Inc., of Osaka,
Japan. Based in Herne Bay, Kent,
the company is privately owned,
with 42 staff.

A comprehensive portfolio of radio

transceiver, receiver, navigation
and computer products is
maintained to suit the consumer,
commercial, radio-amateur, marine
and aviation markets. Equipment
is available in fixed-base, vehicle-
mobile and handheld formats to
suit a wide range of specifications
and applications.

DSC - Take Advantage Of Our Expertise

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a subject currently generating much debate among the maritime fraternity. As part of their latest campaign to offer the
full facts about DSC, Icom (UK) are offering to visit those organisations affected, to talk about the issues raised by this subject. Where relevant, Icom
will customise presentations, making them as general or as technical as required (e.g. from talking about the safety benefits of radio in general to the
operation of a DSC unit), all in an informative and entertaining way.
DSC affects a wide range of boat users, so who could this invitation be of interest to? Yacht clubs, powerboat clubs, sport-boat clubs, RIB clubs,
motor boat/yacht clubs and fishing clubs.
Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager at Icom (UK) Ltd said, ‘With the need to fill up a calendar of events for the year, this may be the ideal opportunity
for various club secretaries to fill an important gap in their diary.' He further added, 'Our Marine Department have already made numerous talks about
DSC with positive results.'
If any club is interested contact Jon Brooks (Marine Dealer Manager) or Phil Holmes (Marine Product Specialist) on 01227 741741