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22 GPSMAP 198C Sounder Owner’s Manual
BASIC OPERATION > DSC
DSC
The DSC Page of the Main Menu controls and sets up the Digital
Selective Calling (DSC) features on the GPSMAP 198C Sounder.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses marine VHF radio and
Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies to transmit and
receive location information. The chartplotter repeats the call
properties received from the VHF radio on the chartplotter. The
GPSMAP 198C Sounder requires input from a DSC enabled VHF
radio to show position, and sound/show alerts from a Distress
Call or Position Report. Conversely, the VHF radio requires input
from a GPS to transmit position coordinates for a Distress Call or
Position Report. For connection information, refer to “Connecting
the Power/Data Cable” on page 99.
An emergency DSC Distress Call allows a vessel in trouble
to transmit a substantial amount of information in a single
transmission or call, without the need for voice communication.
When any nearby rescuer receives the DSC signal, an alarm sounds
and they immediately receive the location of the caller. The rescuer
can choose to navigate to the caller’s location to assist, or forward
the call on to the Coast Guard. When the Coast Guard receives the
call, they can immediately access the caller’s information (such as
who they are and the type of vessel) in their database while they
are in transit to the caller’s location.
A non-emergency DSC Position Report allows mariners to
exchange and show the positions of one another. When a DSC
position is received, the mariner can choose to create a waypoint or
to show the received location on an electronic map.
Anytime a vessel receives a DSC call, they can store and quickly
navigate to that location using a Go To. In order to use DSC, users
must first register their VHF radio with the FCC and receive a
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. Garmin does
not provide MMSI numbers.
For more information about Digital Selective Calling and Maritime
Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers, refer to page 104 in the
“Appendix.”
Understanding Distress Calls
When the GPSMAP 198C Sounder receives a Distress Call
from a connected DSC enabled VHF radio, an alert message and
notification page are shown, and an alarm tone is sounded. Distress
Calls are shown in the DSC Call List, and Log with a checkered
symbol.