Garmin GPSMAP 2206, 2210 Owner's Manual

Also see for GPSMAP 2206: Quick reference guide Install guide

Contents

GPSMAP 2206/2210 Owner’s Manual 85APPENDIX > D IGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC)Digital Selective Calling (DSC)When your GPSMAP 2206/2210 is connected to a VHF radio with DSC support,the GPS unit displays a Call List, Log, and a Directory to store incominginformation received from another user’s DSC capable VHF/GPS combination.Basic wiring is required for the Garmin unit and VHF radio to send and receiveNMEA data from each other. See the GPSMAP 2206/2210 & GPS 17 InstallationInstructions.What is DSC?Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses marine VHF radio and Global PositioningSystem (GPS) technologies to transmit and receive location information. DSCis used by mariners to assist them in two major areas: distress calls and positionreporting.A non-emergency DSC position report allows mariners to exchange and displaythe positions of one another. When a DSC position is received, the mariner canchoose to create a waypoint or show the received position on an electronic map.An emergency DSC distress call allows a vessel in trouble to transmit asubstantial amount of information in a single transmission or “call” withoutthe need for voice communication. When any nearby rescuer receives the DSCsignal, an alarm sounds, and they immediately receive the position of the caller.The rescuer can then choose to navigate (Go To) the caller’s position to assistor forward the call on to the Coast Guard. When the Coast Guard receives thecall, they can immediately access the caller’s information (such as who they areand the type of vessel) in their database while they are in transit to the caller’slocation.Any time a vessel receives a DSC call, the vessel can store that location andquickly navigate to that position using a Go To. This makes DSC a time-saver,especially in an emergency situation. To use DSC, users must first register theirVHF radio with the FCC and receive a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)number.What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)?Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) allows a VHF radio to act like aphone. To make a “call” on a phone, you first need a phone number to dial. The9-digit MMSI number acts like a phone number when used in a Position Reportand as a unique identifier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency distresscall. To obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, users mustregister their VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply thisnumber!How Are MMSI Assignments Obtained?Non-commercial users (recreational users who remain in domestic waters andonly carry VHF, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, andRadar)) are not required to have a FCC ship station license. The FCC and CoastGuard have authorized some second and third-party vendors to assign MMSInumbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vessels only. Toreceive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSI number, visithttp://www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm or http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.Non-Federal Users in the United StatesCommercial users, or those who travel outside the U.S.A. or Canada, must applyfor a ship station license, or an amendment to a ship station license. To find out ifyou require a Ship Station license, visit http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html. If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC, you can obtain a MMSI duringthe application/licensing process when you file FCC Forms 159 and 605.