"Wayne.B" wrote

Actually not. My question was, "How can I ensure that my DSC radio is
actually hooked up and working, i.e, is the position information and
identifier being sent correctly?"

The licensing information and issuance of an identifier is an entirely
different topic.


You posted these questions:
"Is there a test process for VHF/DSC? My latest boat came with two DSC
capable ICOMs but I have no idea if the feature is even hooked up, let
alone working. Also, I have no idea what vessel ID is programmed, if
any."
--
Testing the distress-signal feature of a vhf radio with the "Distress"
button on front panel is never permitted. The radio has other dsc features
which your owner's manual will describe, and vary from model to model.

You can operate your dsc-capable radio according to it's individual
capabilities with other dsc-capable radios, according to their capabilities.
Several different versions of dsc are on the water. All this is covered in
the owner's manual.
--
I did remind you that " you must
register an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) number to YOUR vessel.
The number (if any) that was in the used radio is not valid any longer."

and

"Changing the MMSI on a radio can be done by the owner, providing you have
the owner's operation manual which provides these instructions. Many radio
manufacturers provide manuals online. BOAT-US has an 800 # for you to call
where an experienced associate can walk you through the procedures involved.
That number is: 1-800-566-1536 (working hours). Or you can simply walk-in to
any BOAT-US store with your radio(s) and do the same"
--

Is this clear what your first steps should be, ie: obtaining an owner's
manual, determining what your radio is capable of, then registering an MMSI
via phone and programming or letting a BOAT-US associate do it for you, then
hooking up your GPS according to the instruction manuals, and operating your
radio in accordance with it's instruction manuals?

Jack