MF/HF Stations

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sealagom March 29, 2025 88 views
Description

MF/HF DSC coast radio stations worldwide with MMSI numbers and frequencies for GMDSS equipment testing. Find testing stations in USA, Europe, Asia, and more for maritime radio.

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DSC test DSC stations willuna wiluna asia MF/HF coast radio stations GMDSS testing stations DSC test call frequencies maritime radio testing coast station MMSI numbers HF DSC testing frequencies marine radio verification ship radio test stations MMSI
GMDSS Equipment Testing Guide | Marine Radio Testing Procedures

GMDSS Equipment Testing Guide

Comprehensive reference for marine radio testing procedures and coast radio stations

Note: Always document all tests in your GMDSS Radio Log. This guide is for reference only - always follow your vessel's specific procedures and manufacturer recommendations.

DSC Test Call Frequencies

  • 4207.5 kHz (auto-acknowledgment from all USCG stations except Guam)
  • 6312 kHz
  • 8414.5 kHz
  • 12577 kHz
  • 16804.5 kHz

Coast Radio Stations for MF/HF DSC Testing

USA/Caribbean
Europe/Africa/Middle East
Asia/Pacific
Station MMSI Frequency Coverage Area
Boston 003669991 8MHz East coast USA
New Orleans 003669908 Caribbean Sea
Point Reyes/CAMSPAC 003669990 4MHz West coast USA
Honolulu 003699993 Pacific
Mobile 003660030 USA
Kodiak 003699999 Alaska
Station MMSI Frequency Coverage Area
Cape Town 006010001 Cape of Good Hope approaches
Lyngby 002191000 2MHz North/Baltic Seas
Madrid 002241008 8MHz Mediterranean Sea
Istanbul Radio 002711000 16MHz/12MHz Black Sea
Olympia Radio 002371000 Any frequency Mediterranean Sea
Palermo 002470002 4MHz Mediterranean Sea
Coruna 002240992 Biscay
Humber 002320007 2MHz North/Baltic Seas
Aberdeen 002320004 2MHz North/Baltic Seas
Station MMSI Frequency Coverage Area
Shanghai 004122100 Any frequency China
Hong Kong 004773500 Hong Kong
Ho Chi Minh-Ville 005741993 16MHz/12MHz Vietnam
Bangkok 005671000 8MHz Thailand
Dalian 004121300 2/4MHz China
Hai Phong 005741996 Vietnam
Wiluna 005030001 Australia/Indian Ocean

Required GMDSS Equipment Tests

DAILY TESTS

VHF DSC

Verify internal connections
Check transmitting power output
Examine display functionality
Test DSC system using built-in test function (no signal transmission)

MF/HF DSC

Perform internal test using built-in facility without transmitting signals

INMARSAT-C

Verify proper login status to appropriate Ocean Region
Check status information displayed on screen header

Backup Power

Examine reserve battery charge status
Record results in radio log

Other Daily Checks

Verify paper availability in MF/HF, Navtex, and INMARSAT-C printers

WEEKLY TESTS

MF/HF DSC

Conduct one test call to a coast station on 2187.5 kHz (MF)
Conduct one test call on an HF channel
Options if auto-acknowledgment isn't available:
  • Contact station via R/T requesting acknowledgment (e.g., on MF 2189.5/2177 kHz)
  • Send test call to nearby vessel with confirmation request

VHF DSC

Conduct internal test between ship's two VHF sets
Use selective calling between duplicate sets (preferably at low power)
Ensure automatic acknowledgment feature is active
No live VHF DSC test required

MONTHLY TESTS

Handheld VHF

Test on frequency other than Ch.16 (156.8 MHz)
Skip if sealed unit makes testing impractical

406 MHz EPIRB

Run self-test function
Inspect for physical damage
Check battery expiration date
Verify HRU (hydrostatic release unit) condition
Ensure lanyard and water contacts are intact
Confirm safety clip is properly secured

AIS-SART

Visual inspection
Check battery expiration date
Verify legible MMSI label
Confirm support stand integrity
When testing in port, notify authorities beforehand
Verify test success via ship's AIS equipment (AIS unit, ECDIS, radars)

X-band SART

Visual examination
Check battery expiration date and safety clip position
Avoid sea-based testing
Notify port authorities for port-based testing
For necessary sea-based tests:
  • Check 3-cm radar for nearby vessels
  • Make safety priority VHF DSC announcement
  • Limit SART activation to 2-3 radar sweeps

GMDSS Batteries

Thoroughly examine emergency batteries
For non-sealed wet cells: inspect each cell individually
For other battery types: visual examination
Document results in GMDSS Radio Log
Replace as needed per manufacturer recommendations

ANNUAL INSPECTIONS

Performed by qualified radio surveyors
Comprehensive equipment testing using professional GMDSS testers

Important Reminders

1. Always maintain proper documentation of all tests in your GMDSS Radio Log.

2. Never conduct tests that might cause false distress alerts.

3. When in doubt about procedures, consult the equipment manuals or contact the manufacturer.