Shrimper Owners Association

miscellaneous

To cover all those other things

GMDSS

Assuming that most of you glance occasionally at the 'yottie press' it cannot have escaped your notice that VHF communications at sea is currently in the final stages of a metamorphosis. The amazing growth in ownership of mobile telephones has already been the direct cause of the closure of our B.T. Coast Radio Stations. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is now about to transform the way in which we utilise the frequencies allocated to the Maritime Mobile Service.

From lst January 2001 fixed VHF sets can only be purchased and installed if they meet the type approval requirements of GMDSS Class D standards. Happily, handheld VHF sets and current fixed installations on boats are not affected. However, as you will see, the benefits are such that it will become increasingly attractive to install a GMDSS radio. If you decide to change your boat you will certainly have to purchase the new type of set.

The cost of these new generation sets remains high in comparison to current equipment. At least 6 manufacturers now produce sets for the yacht and boat market and at the recent Southampton Boat Show sets were available at around £300 or less. It is hoped that from January 2001, when only GMDSS sets are available, prices will fall.

The main feature of these new generation VHF sets is the use of Digitial Selective Calling. Each vessel fitted with a GMDSS set will be allocated a 9-digit call sign, which will be programmed into the set by the user. Once programmed the advantages are:-

  • instant and automatic alerting of a Coastguard station to a distress, safety or urgency situation by the press
    of a button.
  • instant alerting of all other GMDSS equipped vessels within VHF range.
  • instant transmission of the distressed vessel's position if the GMDSS set is interfaced with GPS.
  • ease of direct contact with other vessels or shore stations, by use of individual codes.
  • removal of the need to monitor Channel 16, with all its incessant chatter; the GMDSS set will
    let you know when someone is calling your vessel.

Of great interest to yacht clubs and associations is the availability of group collective call signs, known as Group MMSI. This facility will be invaluable to rallies, cruises and to race officers. A 9-digit Group MMSI can be programmed into a set by the user, in much the same way that a telephone at home can store frequently used numbers. Thereafter, all members of a particular group can be called simultaneously and with only one push of a button. The radio sets on the called vessels will automatically change to the requested intership channel and audibly alert the crew.

The Shrimper Owners Association quite obviously wishes to be at the cutting edge of this new technology, and has successfully applied to the Radio Communications Agency for a Group MMSI. This identification code may now be used to establish boat to boat communications during Shrimper Week and local area cruises and races.

  • The Group MMSI allocated to the Shrimper Owners Association is 023200003

However, unfortunately there is a catch. In order to use the DSC element of the new radio equipment, you must be the holder of the new Short Range VHF Certificate, which has replaced the old VHF (Restricted) Certificate. For those who already hold the old certificate, it will mean either attending a half day assessed conversion course, or reading up on the subject and taking a conversion examination.

The RYA booklet G.22 "VHF Radiotelephony for Yachts" has been reprinted. Advice is also available from the RYA Training Department on 023.8062.7450

tides

For an easy to understand explanation of the Poole tides have a read of Trevor's article, more..

 

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