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Cheers - SSS Technical Infrastructure
MMSI = Maritime Mobile Service Identify
- Thread starter Philpott
- Start date
Some things that your VHF DSC can do are copied below from another forum, which you might find useful:
1. Individual calls. Instead of clogging up 16 trying to find a particular boat or someone with a handheld, or a shore station, you can make an individual DSC call. You put in your party's MMSI (which can be stored in speed dial on most radios) and enter the working channel you want to use, and the "phone rings" on the other boat. The called parties "answers" by pressing the "acknowledge" button, and both radios are automatically switched to the chosen working channel.
2. Position polling. For this to work, the radio polled has to be set to allow it. You "ping" the polled radio with its MMSI, and it automatically replies with lat long. If your radio DSC output is wired to your plotter, the positions will show up there automatically. There is also "auto polling", where up to four other MMSI radios can be position polled automatically at a user-selected interval. (Position polling could come in handy, for example, when you've misplaced the boat after a party at another yacht club, or check on your friends in race...just kidding
3. Group call. You can set up a "conference call" by putting in multiple MMSI's. Otherwise works like an individual call.
4. Radio check. Call USCG on MMSI to check your radio's DSC and conduct a radio check. This link gives the different sector numbers: http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/rescue21/dsc.asp. I believe you get a non-automated response using these numbers. It takes a couple minutes to program the USCG MMSI into the VHF memory and usually less than a minute to test. You might consider doing this if there are changes to the VHF or NMEA wiring and prior to longer offshore voyages to verify system functionality.
5. Distress calling. Press the DSC activation and it automatically sends a distress call to all DSC equipped ships, boats and shore stations in range. The call automatically includes: your identity, which is why the handheld should have the same MMSI in case you abandon ship; your position (if a GPS receiver is connected); and the nature of your distress (this can also be edited, if needed).
6. Test calling. For VHF DSC radios equipped with the Test Call feature, test transmissions can be made to the US Coast Guard MMSI 003669999 to receive an automated VHF DSC test response. You must use the “Test Call” category of your radio because “Individual” category calls to this address will not receive an automated response. For older radios not having a test call capability, testing can only be performed by using an individual call to their MMSI (see #4, above).
It goes without saying, but you can be fined ("heavily"), if you make a DSC distress call as a way to test your radio. Consult the manual about the operational functions, especially since some radios are not intuitive in these features and some VHFs switch away from and may not return to monitoring ch. 16 when DSC calls are made.
1. Individual calls. Instead of clogging up 16 trying to find a particular boat or someone with a handheld, or a shore station, you can make an individual DSC call. You put in your party's MMSI (which can be stored in speed dial on most radios) and enter the working channel you want to use, and the "phone rings" on the other boat. The called parties "answers" by pressing the "acknowledge" button, and both radios are automatically switched to the chosen working channel.
2. Position polling. For this to work, the radio polled has to be set to allow it. You "ping" the polled radio with its MMSI, and it automatically replies with lat long. If your radio DSC output is wired to your plotter, the positions will show up there automatically. There is also "auto polling", where up to four other MMSI radios can be position polled automatically at a user-selected interval. (Position polling could come in handy, for example, when you've misplaced the boat after a party at another yacht club, or check on your friends in race...just kidding
3. Group call. You can set up a "conference call" by putting in multiple MMSI's. Otherwise works like an individual call.
4. Radio check. Call USCG on MMSI to check your radio's DSC and conduct a radio check. This link gives the different sector numbers: http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/rescue21/dsc.asp. I believe you get a non-automated response using these numbers. It takes a couple minutes to program the USCG MMSI into the VHF memory and usually less than a minute to test. You might consider doing this if there are changes to the VHF or NMEA wiring and prior to longer offshore voyages to verify system functionality.
5. Distress calling. Press the DSC activation and it automatically sends a distress call to all DSC equipped ships, boats and shore stations in range. The call automatically includes: your identity, which is why the handheld should have the same MMSI in case you abandon ship; your position (if a GPS receiver is connected); and the nature of your distress (this can also be edited, if needed).
6. Test calling. For VHF DSC radios equipped with the Test Call feature, test transmissions can be made to the US Coast Guard MMSI 003669999 to receive an automated VHF DSC test response. You must use the “Test Call” category of your radio because “Individual” category calls to this address will not receive an automated response. For older radios not having a test call capability, testing can only be performed by using an individual call to their MMSI (see #4, above).
It goes without saying, but you can be fined ("heavily"), if you make a DSC distress call as a way to test your radio. Consult the manual about the operational functions, especially since some radios are not intuitive in these features and some VHFs switch away from and may not return to monitoring ch. 16 when DSC calls are made.
Last edited:
dhusselman
New member
TIJD = 338169322
Dirk Husselman "TIJD" First 30JK
Dirk Husselman "TIJD" First 30JK
mike cunningham
Freedom 30 "Jacqueline"
338059104 - shouldn't we just publish these on the registration. I don't suppose we'll be getting telemarketing calls. Although if you owe someone money I wouldn't put it past a collection agency. Ha Ha, that would be a hoot!
BTW, I just noticed there are a lot of numbers on my boat, almost as many numbers as there are GPSs.
Sail
HIN
Hull (for the Transpac)
CG DOC
EPIRB
PLB
Cell
Inreach
Jeeze! (that's an expression, not a number)
BTW, I just noticed there are a lot of numbers on my boat, almost as many numbers as there are GPSs.
Sail
HIN
Hull (for the Transpac)
CG DOC
EPIRB
PLB
Cell
Inreach
Jeeze! (that's an expression, not a number)
You forgot your call sign, Mike, if ya got one! I think this post shows that 'someone' (ahem, Bob?) could extract the MMSIs from our Jibeset registrations and send a PDF to all active SSSers.
However, here's something that needs to be considered. When I search on the FCC database for an MMSI that is CG documented, I can get all of the skipper's boat info, including their home address. If you have the free version from Boat US, then the MMSI is not available in any public directory, that I can find. I don't have a problem with my address being distributed, and it seems that most people with rudimentary internet skills could find just about anything about anyone, but we might need to get active consent to allow this information to be distributed.
However, here's something that needs to be considered. When I search on the FCC database for an MMSI that is CG documented, I can get all of the skipper's boat info, including their home address. If you have the free version from Boat US, then the MMSI is not available in any public directory, that I can find. I don't have a problem with my address being distributed, and it seems that most people with rudimentary internet skills could find just about anything about anyone, but we might need to get active consent to allow this information to be distributed.
"If you sell the boat with the radio, you must cancel your MMSI registration to avoid having the distress linked to you and your personal information should the new owner fail to reprogram the radio or request that the MMSI be transferred over to them."
Looks like you're all good if you programmed all the radios with your MMSI.
Looks like you're all good if you programmed all the radios with your MMSI.
BobJ
Alerion 38 "Surprise!"
If you post your MMSI in this thread, you are giving us permission to send it to Anonymous so they can do any nefarious thing they want with it.
When we talked about this several years ago, I was able to find several of our boats in the FCC list but at least two-thirds of the listings were expired station licenses. Apparently many skippers don't renew them - maybe they buy the SSB (etc.), do a Ha-Ha or Pac Cup and then take up water polo or something. It's strange.
When we talked about this several years ago, I was able to find several of our boats in the FCC list but at least two-thirds of the listings were expired station licenses. Apparently many skippers don't renew them - maybe they buy the SSB (etc.), do a Ha-Ha or Pac Cup and then take up water polo or something. It's strange.
Tchoupitoulas
New member
They can reverse engineer your DNA from this you know. Be careful out there kids.
Starbuck 338088439
Starbuck 338088439
Philpott
Cal 2-27 Dura Mater
Would I be re-created as a person who sailed with full crew?
pogen
Sailing canoe "Kūʻaupaʻa"
Here are a bunch I collected that use AIS transceive. Since the boat name and MMSI are broadcast as part of AIS, it is not classified.
Bandicoot 338094231
California Condor 367458120
Carmelita 367080950
Coyote 367345770
Culebra 367413310
Elan 367300270
Even Keel 367429210
Galaxsea 367465240
Green Buffalo 367065180
Libra 367562690
Lightspeed 338135487
Mirage 367438790
Plus Sixteen 338050101
Temerity 338108542
TESA 367517270
Tiger Beetle 366754310
Tortuga338128566
Turbo Camper 338129063
Vessel owner can be found here for instance:
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html
If you have AIS xmit, you can be found in places like this
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/details/ships/shipid:395548/mmsi:338108542/imo:0/vessel:TEMERITY
Bandicoot 338094231
California Condor 367458120
Carmelita 367080950
Coyote 367345770
Culebra 367413310
Elan 367300270
Even Keel 367429210
Galaxsea 367465240
Green Buffalo 367065180
Libra 367562690
Lightspeed 338135487
Mirage 367438790
Plus Sixteen 338050101
Temerity 338108542
TESA 367517270
Tiger Beetle 366754310
Tortuga338128566
Turbo Camper 338129063
Vessel owner can be found here for instance:
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html
If you have AIS xmit, you can be found in places like this
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/details/ships/shipid:395548/mmsi:338108542/imo:0/vessel:TEMERITY
Add "NANCY" 367435450
By the way, I encourage singlehanded folks to seriously consider OYRA's offer for a singlehanded division. I think the more practice a potential LongPac/Hawaii singlehander gets the better. The more ocean time, the more you'll learn the boat, find out what breaks, and how you manage everything that needs doing. You already have HMB and Drakes Bay Up & Back as part of the SSS season. Why not add 7 more ocean races, including a 2nd chance at the Farallones and HMB? Just 5 singlehanders and you're in. - Pat
By the way, I encourage singlehanded folks to seriously consider OYRA's offer for a singlehanded division. I think the more practice a potential LongPac/Hawaii singlehander gets the better. The more ocean time, the more you'll learn the boat, find out what breaks, and how you manage everything that needs doing. You already have HMB and Drakes Bay Up & Back as part of the SSS season. Why not add 7 more ocean races, including a 2nd chance at the Farallones and HMB? Just 5 singlehanders and you're in. - Pat
Daydreamer
SAILOR
Nightmare's MMSI 338184989
If OYRA opens a singlehanded division I will sign up.
I should be able to do most of the races.
The calendar is out but registration does not appear to be open yet.
If OYRA opens a singlehanded division I will sign up.
I should be able to do most of the races.
The calendar is out but registration does not appear to be open yet.
BobJ
Alerion 38 "Surprise!"
Wow - we haven't put the directory together yet and we're already getting telemarketing calls. Maybe we should rethink this.
Seriously though, and following up on Gamay's item #5 (in post #4 above), the NorCalORC/US Sailing rules we're following require a DSC-enabled handheld. If that's handy (like in your foulies if you fall overboard), you can push the Distress button on it. I *think* I have my big chartplotter set so that call/position would show on it (much like the "MOB" button). If so, I could immediately start navigating to your position. If several of us had that capability we would be in a much better position to look after each other out there. I'm anxious to test this and make sure it works. (No, I'm not volunteering to jump off my boat at the Lightbucket.)
Seriously though, and following up on Gamay's item #5 (in post #4 above), the NorCalORC/US Sailing rules we're following require a DSC-enabled handheld. If that's handy (like in your foulies if you fall overboard), you can push the Distress button on it. I *think* I have my big chartplotter set so that call/position would show on it (much like the "MOB" button). If so, I could immediately start navigating to your position. If several of us had that capability we would be in a much better position to look after each other out there. I'm anxious to test this and make sure it works. (No, I'm not volunteering to jump off my boat at the Lightbucket.)