Not sure if this has been posted yet and if it has my apologies. I haven't been out on the open water yet but it's because I'm preparing myself for all the risks I will be taking and potential hazards, as excited as I am I know safety is first. I bought a Standard Horizon VHF used on ebay and noticed the red button on the side (DSC). I was adviced by a good friend to register my MMSI number so that if I have to send out a distress signal they will know my gps coordinates and info right away.
The link I have attached is to be able to register a new or cancel your MMSI number (free). From there you go onto your VHF radio and add the number you are given. With my VHF I was lucky that it hadn't been registered with a number before, because you only get to do it twice and then it locks you and you have to send it back to the manufacturer to get reset for your MMSI number.
If anyone has any more info to add to this that is always a plus! Thanks for reading.
LoletaEric:
Interesting - I've never heard of that. Must only be for a VHF with a GPS, eh? Sounds like very good info - thanks for posting it. I need a VHF with a GPS. :smt001
Weimarian:
Nooooooooooooooooooo :smt005 not another toy to buy :smt044
StephL:
LoletaEric - no problem! :smt006
Here's more info I found on the DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capable VHF radios. I have the Standard Horizon HX471S submersible. I don't think it has GPS though although that would be an added bonus if it did :)
RacinRob:
It sounds like you need another piece to make the 471 work. The 871 has it built in. I may be wrong, but the article stared you need a cradle for it to work.