Marine Notice 32 of 2016 refers.

Brief synopsis:

DSC (Digital Selective Calling)

• DSC carriage will be introduced to coincide with the implementation of sea area A1 and the eventual switch off of the aural watch keeping of VHF Channel 16 by the relevant authority.
  • SAMSA will inform the boating public and other concerned parties of the phase in period for the implementation of these requirements.

Marine Radio Operator Certification

• If your VHF radio does NOT have a MMSI number installed, then the VHF operator must be in possession of a “Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Certificate (Marine) VHF only”
  • This was the original VHF certificate required before DSC became a requirement
• If your VHF radio HAS a MMSI number installed, then the VHF operator must be in possession of a “Short Range Certificate”
  • When the MMSI number is input into the VHF radio this enables the DSC functions which otherwise are not available for use
  • The “Short Range Certificate” is the new VHF requirement and may be obtained by either doing a bridging course (if in possession of a “Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Certificate (Marine) VHF only” or doing the full course.
  • A MMSI number is issued by ICASA Cape Town against a licensed VHF radio and against a user who has passed the “Short Range Certificate” course

Licensing

• 29Mhz radio will no longer suffice for 2017 COF
• An ICASA licensed VHF radio is required

For a full list of SAMSA issued Marine notices goto
http://www.samsa.org.za/legislations/marine-notices