Maritime Safety information | Maritime Mobile Service Identity | AUSREP and REEFREP
AMSA HF DSC network
All GMDSS HF radio services are now provided by a new AMSA HF DSC network employing transmit and receive sites located at Wiluna and Charleville. These sites have been chosen for their electronically quiet conditions and strategic locations which give good coverage around Australia and well into the Australian SRR.
The network is controlled from the Network Control Centre located within AMSA in Canberra. This collocation with RCC Australia has enhanced operational response.
The new network employs the following callsigns:
- 'RCC Australia'
- VIC
- MMSI: 005030001
The network is designed to sense the power of a transmission and respond from the appropriate station. One MMSI and callsign can be used to access the network from anywhere within the Australian SRR.
Note: Vessels fitted with 'Sailor' equipment may need to program in a position for the new stations (Latitude and Longitude). Vessels off the West coast of Australia might call Wiluna at 26 20.45' South 120 33.40' East. Vessels off the East coast might call Charleville at 26 19.83 South 146 15.85' East.
The network monitors the DSC distress frequencies and conducts follow-on communications via radiotelephony or NBDP. The network has the capability to make broadcasts for search and rescue purposes and these will normally be preceded by a DSC announcement message.
If a vessel wishes to conduct a radiotelephony communication with the network, it is necessary to make initial contact via a DSC call. For safety or routine messages a shift to a working frequency is normally required.