Operation Manual

Chapter 5: Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

The Ray218E/Ray55E includes equipment for Class “D” Digital Selective Calling

(DSC). DSC protocol is a globally applied system used to send and receive digital

calls. DSC uses a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to

direct DSC calls directly to your radio, much like a telephone number.

Note:

An MMSI number is required to operate the DSC equipment in this radio. You can

request an MMSI number from the same agency that issues radio or Ship Radio licences in

your area. Once obtained, you can program the MMSI number yourself one time only using

the operation described in “My MMSI ID“ on page 96. Otherwise, your Raymarine dealer

can program or change the number for you.

The Ray218E/Ray55E includes a separate dedicated receiver just for DSC

communications on channel 70. When a DSC call is received, the radio

automatically responds based on the type of call. When receiving a DSC call from

another vessel or a coast station, an alert sounds and DSC data appears in the

LCD–such as time of a call, the caller and the type and priority of a call.

Note:

If you purchased your Ray218E /Ray55E to include use on the inland waterways of

the contracting governments of the “Regional Arrangement Concerning the

Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways”—also known as the Basel Agreement—

your radio will be programmed by your dealer to include Automatic Transmitter

Identification System (ATIS) functionality. If ATIS has been enabled, certain programming

steps have been implemented to protect the integrity of this agreement, including the

blocking of DSC functions when ATIS is active. See “ATIS Function“ on page 65.

5.1 DSC Call Menu

You access DSC functions via the DSC menu. Press and hold the MENU/DSC key

for 3 seconds to enter DSC call mode.

Note:

Distress calls are made using the DISTRESS key.

The Ray218E/Ray55E can make the following type of DSC calls:

SHIP/SHIP

DSC MENU

SELECT

D9394-1

PRESS and HOLD for 3 secs

INDIVIDUAL

GROUP

ALL SHIPS

POS REQUEST

RECV’D CALLS