VHF Course

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

It would be a good idea, but as I understand it at the moment, this does not happen. You can get hold of MMSI numbers via the ITU's web site, but it can take time for the data to be registered - MARS

You then get taken thru to this page

As to making the call, it's one of the reasons instructors (should) spend time on the VHF course emphasising the point in how best to say the MMSI number. And why it's important to "role play" voice calls.

Bloody hell - I thought the moment that button was pressed all the boats details would come up - everything about you including you shoe size!!! Don't see the point in it all otherwise!!!

[Solent Ranger]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Don't see the point in it all otherwise!!!

The point is that all vessels who are DSC enabled will be alerted to your dilema. Vessels are now no longer required to keep a listening watch on Ch 16.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

No! The DSC alert only sends your MMSI number and the position, current if attached to your GPS, last known if not!....
...Neither boat name or call sign is sent.

Yeh, I know. I was windin' up the Cod. I don't think my radio is able to read the boat name off the tubes.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Yeh, I know. I was windin' up the Cod. I don't think my radio is able to read the boat name off the tubes.

Bit behind the times then aren't you!!!!

[Nick Thompson]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Bloody hell - I thought the moment that button was pressed all the boats details would come up - everything about you including you shoe size!!! Don't see the point in it all otherwise!!!

I understand it does if you have completed the CG66 form.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Nick Thompson

I understand it does if you have completed the CG66 form.

Surely when the radio is registered and you get your MMSI number that happens anyway???

[rickuk3]

Having done my radio course yesterday at Powerboat Training UK, we used both simulators and real radio's, we tried everything on the simulators first, which meant if we made a mistake it was easy for us to do it again and get it right, and then we did it again on the radio's when we could actually talk to another person, and get the speed of giving the message right. Our instructor took great care to explain why every part of a distress call was there including the MMSI number.
Richard

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by rickuk3

Our instructor took great care to explain why every part of a distress call was there including the MMSI number.
Richard

So did ours - it was only when I asked him in private he admitted "off the record" what the coastguards REALLY thought!!!

[jwalker]

Bit behind the times then aren't you!!!!

It was just a gentle wind up.

Actually I agree with you. Since, when you apply for your radio licence, you have to furnish some boat details, it wouldn't be asking much for each CG station to have a file containing these details related to the mmsi. Given the storage capacity of modern computers, it would hardly be a problem. It would be simple enough to update it on the fly I would have thought.

For me, the DSC system's advantage is it's ability to send a position along with the alert.

Normal calling is obviously different but just as combersome as ever and possibly more so. It is a little more private but that's not any great shakes.

However, although I'm listening, since I launched the boat last February, except for a radio check to make sure it was working in the first place, I've not had need to use it, nor has any of the info I've heard been of use.

I'm still waiting for that exciting mayday to arrive.

Actually, quite a few years ago, I was pleased to be listening cos there was warning of a controlled explosion and it was just where we were heading and we weren't far away. Pre DSC times.

[Mike Martin]

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

It would be a good idea, but as I understand it at the moment, this does not happen. You can get hold of MMSI numbers via the ITU's web site, but it can take time for the data to be registered - MARS

You then get taken thru to this page

Sorry SR but you should consider deferring to my position, I was the DTI official who arranged sending my SRL database to the MCA on a weekly basis to be used in MRCCs for exactly this purpose due to the fact that there are delays updating MARS.

Mike

[Nick Thompson]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Surely when the radio is registered and you get your MMSI number that happens anyway???

Some of it is done for the Ships Radio License, but CG66 goes a bit further in more detail.

[Solent Ranger]

Originally Posted by Mike Martin

Sorry SR but you should consider deferring to my position, I was the DTI official who arranged sending my SRL database to the MCA on a weekly basis to be used in MRCCs for exactly this purpose due to the fact that there are delays updating MARS.

Mike

When I first did my SRC instructors course, some 18 months ago now, I spent a morning with Solent Coastguard looking in detail at how DSC distress alerts were received and acted upon. I asked the question regarding the database of MMSI numbers and the ability to quickly identify a vessel via it's MMSI number. I was told at that time that no such facility existed.

Now Mike, I have taken note of your comment and rather than just respond I have this morning rung Solent Coastguard and asked them what happens now.

They stated that the software currently in use does not allow for instant identification of a vessel simply via the MMSI number.

"How do you relate the MMSI number to a vessel?" I asked them, "We go to the ITU database firstly!" I was told. I said given that the ITU database can take time to be updated and in fact only identifies the owner/registered name of the vessell, what happens then? I was told that they had their own internal database where they may sometimes find the infomation. I asked if this had anything to do with CG66 and was told no!

So, to repeat myself, instant identification of a vessel via the MMSI number is not yet available. So, when a DSC distress alert is received by a coastal station, they effecticvely "see" exactly the same infomation as any other DSC enabled set - i.e MMSI number, position and the nature of the distress if the sender has used the facility.

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

The point is that all vessels who are DSC enabled will be alerted to your dilema. Vessels are now no longer required to keep a listening watch on Ch 16.

Say's who?

My understand that this is still required.
As far as I am aware you are still meant to keep a listen watch on CH16.
There were plans to drop this but it has not come into force.

Regards

[eupa]

Originally Posted by codprawn
Surely when the radio is registered and you get your MMSI number that happens anyway???

A little correction Codders - you dont register the radio- you register a boat
( name) with a VHF set and or portable VHF. The radio itself can be any old piece of Junk BUT should be class D. /DSC.. How about giving us your MMSI??- what did a man of your vast experience choose as a radio??
How about the name of supership? got one yet??, A few suggestions
- codprick
- codwinkle
- Isle of Cod
anybody want to add something??

( I am feeling a bit bad today Codo )

Jonathan

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

So, to repeat myself, instant identification of a vessel via the MMSI number is not yet available. So, when a DSC distress alert is received by a coastal station, they effecticvely "see" exactly the same infomation as any other DSC enabled set - i.e MMSI number, position and the nature of the distress if the sender has used the facility.

It sounds as though they need to get their arses into gear.

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by eupa

Originally Posted by codprawn
Surely when the radio is registered and you get your MMSI number that happens anyway???

A little correction Codders - you dont register the radio- you register a boat
( name) with a VHF set and or portable VHF. The radio itself can be any old piece of Junk BUT should be class D. /DSC.. How about giving us your MMSI??- what did a man of your vast experience choose as a radio??
How about the name of supership? got one yet??, A few suggestions
- codprick
- codwinkle
- Isle of Cod
anybody want to add something??

( I am feeling a bit bad today Codo )

Jonathan

Codders was on the right track really.
When you apply for your Ships Radio Licence you get issued with your call sign and MMSI number.
Not when you register your vessel.

You are right you radio can be anything.

Is this Cod battering going a tad to far.
Poor bloke seems to get flamed everytime he posts.
Everyone has a view point some are right, some are wrong.
Either can be taken as a good learning curve.

Nobody is right all of the time, hell some of us never get it right but we are all allowed our own view point

Not a dig at anyone just a general view.

Regards

[eupa]

When you apply for your Ships Radio Licence you get issued with your call sign and MMSI number.
Not when you register your vessel.

I did'nt say that- I SAID YOU REGISTER A VHF SET TO A VESSEL NAME'S/SSR/ect ect.

I suppose being in the radio business ... you kinda of get 'hard of hearing,

Anyway this is not cod bashing-- but somebody who sets themselvers up as the beginning and end of ribbing - is asking for well , lets say . friendly advice..

jonathan

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by eupa

[B]

Anyway this is not cod bashing-- but somebody who sets themselvers up as the beginning and end of ribbing - is asking for well , lets say . friendly advice..

jonathan

I have NEVER proclaimed to be an expert on RIBS!!!!

[Jon Brooks]

[QUOTE=eupa] Originally Posted by codprawn
Surely when the radio is registered and you get your MMSI number that happens anyway???

A little correction Codders - you dont register the radio- you register a boat
( name) with a VHF set and or portable VHF. The radio itself can be any old piece of Junk BUT should be class D. /DSC.. How about giving us your MMSI??- what did a man of your vast experience choose as a radio??


Jonathan [/QUOTE

This is you quote I was working from.
Deaf yes Stupid noooo, well ok maybe just a little bit!

Regards

[eupa]

Deaf yes Stupid noooo, well ok maybe just a little bit!

now that's somebody I like - modesty a fine quality in any man.
I wish I had brought an icom from you--- but they seem to me
a bit picey. By the way - coming to Ramsgate one of these days -
Do you need to radio permission to enter??- if so can you give me the channel?

Thanks

Jonathan