TEST
There are two regular tests that should be carried out on yourMF /HF DSC installation:
A daily internal test, without transmitting live signals.
A weekly, live Test Call with a coast station {when in range}.The weekly test call should normally be transmitted on 2187·5kHz- provided that you are within range of a Coast Station that is
prepared to acknowledge {not all Coast Stations/RCCs have an
automatic 'ACK' facility and some do not want to be bothered with
manually acknowledging test calls}. The Test Call is used to check
that 2187·5kHz is functioning correctly {MF routine calls go out on
2177kHz - so you might not use 2187·5kHz for many weeks/
months}. If you are not in range of an MF station when your
weekly test call is due - make that call when you are next in range.
MANUAL POSITION
If your equipment is not interfaced with, and receiving regular
position updates from, a G PS unit, you should update your position,
manually, at least once each watch {i.e. at least once every four hours}
when at sea.
DATE/TIME
All received DSC Alerts will have the date and time received
appended to the alert, using the clock time of your own DSC unit. In
most cases this date/time will come from a G PS receiver - but you may
have to tell your own equipment which time zone you are operating in,
and enter ship's time into the receiver.
In some 'Sailor' DSC units the time zone entry must show the
number of hours that must be added to, or subtracted from, ship's
time, to calculate UTC - not the number of hours your vessel is
ahead/behind of UTC.Routine maintenance and checks
There are no regular checks that have to be made on the MF /HF SSB
radio itself, under GMDSS regulations. If you suspect a problem with
your SSB radio, refer to the user manual to see what test routines can be
carried out by the operator. For regular use you should ensure that:
You are on the correct frequency (Tx/Rx) for your current needs.
You have selected the correct class of emission.146 THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE