Entering Your MMSI Number
NOTICE
You can enter your MMSI number only once. If you must change your MMSI number after entering it, you must
take your radio to your Garmin
®
dealer for reprogramming.
The Mobile Marine Safety Identity (MMSI) number is a nine-digit code that acts as a DSC self-identification
number, and it is required to use the DSC capabilities of your radio. You can obtain an MMSI number from the
telecommunications authority or ship registry for your country. In the USA, you can obtain an MMSI number
from these sources:
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): assignments are recognized internationally
• BoatU.S.
®
, Sea Tow
®
, or United States Power Squadrons
®
: assignments are for USA waters only.
1 Select MENU > DSC > MY MMSI.
2 Enter your MMSI number (
).
3 Select ACCEPT.
The radio prompts you to confirm your identity.
4 Enter your MMSI number again, and select ACCEPT.
If the MMSI numbers you entered do not match, a message appears.
5 If necessary, select RETRY, and enter the number again.
Viewing Your MMSI Number
Select MENU > DSC > MY MMSI.
Distress Calls
When you make a distress call, your call is transmitted to all DSC-capable radios within receiving range. Your
current GPS position (latitude and longitude) and the current time are included in the transmission if you have a
GPS device connected to your transceiver. If you manually entered your position information with the time, that
data is transmitted with the call.
NOTE: You should familiarize yourself with the standard distress-call format and protocol to ensure your calls
are clear and effective.
Sending an Undesignated Distress Call
When you send an undesignated distress call, the nature of your emergency is not transmitted to the receiving
stations. Sending an undesignated distress call is a faster procedure that can save you time during an
emergency.
1 Lift the spring-loaded door, and hold DISTRESS for at least 3 seconds.
The radio beeps and counts down the seconds. DISTRESS CALL COUNTING DOWN appears on the screen.
The radio sounds an alarm, switches to channel 70, and transmits your call on high (25 W) power.
2 Press any key to silence the alarm sound.
The radio tunes to channel 16 on high (25 W) power.
3 Hold PTT on the handset or radio to relay your distress message.
The radio waits for an acknowledgment (ACK) on channel 70 from a listening station.
12
Digital Selective Calling
