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claus

"Larry" wrote in message
...
"claus" wrote in
:

Any ideas or suggestions on how to check the DSC funtionality?

By the way....before you make an issue out of CG's lack of DSC
operation, it might be a good idea to get your GMDSS Operator's License,
which is actually REQUIRED before operating a VHF DSC on Channel 70 in
the FCC regulations......(c;

Here's the regs:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/w...7cfr80_07.html

Here's what a NON-LICENSED boat VHF radio is allowed:
Section 80.13 (c):
" (c) A ship station is licensed by rule and does not need an
individual license issued by the FCC if the ship station is not subject
to the radio equipment carriage requirements of any statute, treaty or
agreement to which the United States is signatory, the ship station does
not travel to foreign ports, and the ship station does not make
international communications. A ship station licensed by rule is
authorized to transmit radio signals using a marine radio operating in
the 156-162 MHz band, any type of AIS, any type of EPIRB, and any type
of radar installation. All other transmissions must be authorized under
a ship station license. Even though an individual license is not
required, a ship station licensed by rule must be operated in accordance
with all applicable operating requirements, procedures, and technical
specifications found in this part."

Notice, CAREFULLY, what signals are allowed....Marine Radio (voice?) in
the 156-162 Mhz band, any type AIS, any type EPIRB and any type RADAR.

"All other transmissions must be authorized under a SHIP STATION
LICENSE".....INCLUDING GMDSS AND DSC data transmissions on Channel 70??

NOTHING is said about DSC or GMDSS, which your MMSI and DSC equipment on
VHF are a part of.....It's a kluged up mess!

HOWEVER, in the GMDSS section of the rules, it says:

"PART 80_STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES--Table of Contents

Subpart W_Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

Sec. 80.1073 Radio operator requirements for ship stations.

(a) Ships must carry at least two persons holding GMDSS Radio
Operator's Licenses as specified in Sec. 13.2 of this chapter for
distress and safety radio communications purposes. The GMDSS Radio
Operator's License qualifies personnel as GMDSS radio operator for the
purposes of operating GMDSS radio installation, including basic
equipment adjustments as denoted in knowledge requirements specified in
Sec. 13.21 of this chapter.
(1) A qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated to have
primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress
incidents, except if the vessel operates exclusively within twenty
nautical miles of shore, in which case a qualified restricted radio
operator may be so designated.
(2) A second qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated as
backup for distress and safety radiocommunications, except if the vessel
operates exclusively within twenty nautical miles of shore, in which
case a qualified restricted GMDSS radio operator may be so designated.
(b) A qualified GMDSS radio operator, and a qualified backup, as
specified in paragraph (a) of this section must be:
(1) Available to act as the dedicated radio operator in cases of
distress as described in Sec. 80.1109(a);
(2) Designated to perform as part of normal routine each of the
applicable communications described in Sec. 80.1109(b);
(3) Responsible for selecting HF DSC guard channels and receiving
scheduled maritime safety information broadcasts;
(4) Designated to perform communications described in Sec.
80.1109(c);
(5) Responsible for ensuring that the watches required by Sec.
80.1123 are properly maintained; and
(6) Responsible for ensuring that the ship's navigation position is
entered into all installed DSC equipment, either automatically through a
connected or integral navigation receiver, or manually at least every
four hours when the ship is underway."

See what a mess it all is? Typical Doublespeak......lawyers.

80.1073 (b)(6)----RIGHT THERE AT THE BOTTOM....is the key.....

A qualified GMDSS Radio Operator, and a qualified backup, as specified
in (a) MUST be:
(6) Responsible for ensuring the the ship's navigation position is
entered into all installed DSC equipment, either AUTOMATICALLY THROUGH A
CONNECTED OR INTEGRAL NAVIGATION RECEIVER (GPS) or manually at least
every 4 hours when the ship is undeway."

This section says you are REQUIRED to have a LICENSED GMDSS OPERATOR who
is responsible to see that DSC in your little VHF radio has the proper
position, even if your Garmin hand held is plugged into the little West
Marine VHF feeding it automatically lat/long......REQUIRED
OPERATOR....FOR DSC....no exceptions.

So, which GMDSS OPERATOR license do you need??

" (1) A qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated to have
primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress
incidents, except if the vessel operates exclusively within twenty
nautical miles of shore, in which case a qualified restricted radio
operator may be so designated.
(2) A second qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated as
backup for distress and safety radiocommunications, except if the vessel
operates exclusively within twenty nautical miles of shore, in which
case a qualified restricted GMDSS radio operator may be so designated."

depends on if you go more or less than 20 miles offshore.....

NOTE - IF YOU GO 3 MILES OFFSHORE YOU ARE ALEADY REQUIRED TO HAVE A SHIP
STATION LICENSE FOR THAT VHF as that is in international waters....3
miles.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/do.html
GMDSS Operator's License.....just the operator who is allowed to make
front panel adjustments like putting MMSI in and calling distress.

http://wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/rg.html
If you never venture beyond 20 miles out from the USA shoreline.....

ANY operation of DSC on a pleasure boat in or out of US waters requires
a SHIP STATION LICENSE and at least a primary and backup GMDSS
Operator's Licensed operator...inside or outside that 20 mile limit.

More noise......
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind...b=operations_2
&id=ship_stations

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind...b=operations_2
&id=ship_stations#What%20are%20the%20requirements% 20regarding%
20communications%20personnel%20aboard%20GMDSS%20sh ips?

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/ind...b=operations_3
&id=ship_stations

GMDSS operations has NO EXEMPTIONS FOR UNLICENSED VHF STATIONS I can
find.....nada. Just pressing the red button isn't enough....ask the
FCC.....

GREAT SCOTT!!!