GMDSS MF/HF Station List + DSC Test Call Frequencies

Comprehensive Global MF/HF Coast Radio Station Database — Access complete MMSI numbers, DSC test frequencies, and GMDSS testing procedures for maritime communication worldwide. This resource covers stations across USA, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and South America, providing essential information for maritime professionals, ship officers, and marine safety organizations.

Key Features

Global Coverage: MF/HF stations from 50+ countries worldwide
Complete MMSI Database: All station identification numbers for DSC testing
DSC Test Frequencies: Approved frequencies for equipment testing
GMDSS Testing Procedures: Daily, weekly, and monthly testing schedules
Maritime Safety: Emergency communication protocols and procedures

Coast Radio Stations for MF/HF DSC Testing

When conducting MF/HF DSC tests, you'll need to contact coast radio stations. These stations are organised by region to help you find the most appropriate station for your location. Each station provides essential maritime communication services and supports GMDSS compliance requirements.

Global MF/HF Coast Radio Station Coverage Map showing worldwide distribution of maritime radio stations for DSC testing and emergency communication — **Global MF/HF Coast Radio Station Coverage:** Green line shows a successful MF/HF test with Wiluna auto-acknowledgment. This map illustrates the worldwide network of maritime radio stations available for GMDSS testing and emergency communication.

Click on any station name or MMSI to copy it to your clipboard.

Station Legend:

Reliable stations (accept multiple frequencies)

Perfect for auto-acknowledgment

USA coast radio stations for MF/HF DSC testing
Station	MMSI	Frequency	Coverage Area
Boston	003669991	8 MHz	East coast USA
New Orleans	003669998		Caribbean Sea
Point Reyes/CAMSPAC	003669990	4 MHz	West coast USA
Honolulu	003669993		Pacific
Miami	003669997		USA
Kodiak	003669899		Alaska

Asia/Pacific coast radio stations
Station	MMSI	Frequency	Coverage Area
Shanghai	004122100	Any frequency	East China Sea & Coastal China
Hong Kong	004773500	8 MHz	South China Sea – Pearl River Delta
Ho Chi Minh-Ville	005743030	16/12 MHz	Vietnam
Bangkok	005671000	8 MHz	Thailand
Dalian	004121300	2/4 MHz	China
Hai Phong	005741040		Vietnam
SEOUL	004400002		Korea
Wiluna	005030001	Auto-acknowledge	Australia / Indian Ocean
Busan Coast Radio	004401004	12 MHz	Korea Strait & Sea of Japan
Incheon Coast Radio	004401001	8 MHz	Yellow Sea – Korea West Coast
Ambon Radio	005250006	8 MHz	Eastern Indonesia / Banda Sea
Balikpapan Radio	005250009	8 MHz	Central Indonesia – Makassar Strait / Java Sea
Mumbai Radio	004192203	12 MHz	Arabian Sea – NW Indian Ocean
Chennai Radio	004194401	12 MHz	Bay of Bengal – NE Indian Ocean
Tokyo Coast Guard Radio	004310001	12 MHz	NW Pacific & Japanese waters

European coast radio stations
Station	MMSI	Frequency	Coverage Area
Cape Town	006010001		Cape of Good Hope approaches
Lyngby	002191000	2 MHz	North / Baltic Seas
Madrid	002241078	8 MHz	Mediterranean Sea
Istanbul Radio	002711000	16/12 MHz	Black Sea
Olympia Radio	002371000	Any frequency	Mediterranean Sea
Valencia	002241004	8 MHz	Western Mediterranean
Rogaland	002570300	8 MHz	North Sea

Middle East coast radio stations
Station	MMSI	Frequency	Coverage Area
Jeddah Radio	004030000	12 MHz	Red Sea – East side
Bandar Abbas Radio	004225300	8 MHz	Persian Gulf
Alexandria Radio	006221111	8 MHz	Eastern Mediterranean & Approaches to Suez
Mauritius Radio	006452700	12 MHz	Southwestern Indian Ocean

South American coast radio stations
Station	MMSI	Frequency	Coverage Area
Rio de Janeiro Radio	007100001	12 MHz	SW Atlantic – Brazilian coast
Buenos Aires Radio	007010111	8 MHz	SW Atlantic – Río de la Plata
Montevideo Radio	007703870	8 MHz	South Atlantic – River Plate area

Find More Coast Stations

Search by station name, country, MID, or MMSI number.

Total stations: 0

Unique countries: 0

First Digit Meaning

0 – Ship group, coast station, or group of coast stations
1 – SAR aircraft (111MIDaxx)
2–7 – Individual ships by region (2 Europe, 3 N/C America, 4 Asia, 5 Oceania/SE Asia, 6 Africa, 7 S America)
8 – Handheld VHF with DSC and GNSS
9 – Special devices (SAR, MOB, EPIRBs, etc.)

Station Identity Formats

Coast Station: 00MIDxxxx
Group Coast Station: 00MID0000
Ship Station: MIDxxxxxx
SAR Transmitter: 970YYxxxx

MID = Maritime Identification Digits, X = any digit 0–9

Special Cases

US Coast Guard Base: 003669999
Man Overboard Devices: 972yyzzzz
AIS-SART: 970yyzzzz
EPIRBs with AIS: 974yyzzzz

Reference: ITU-R Recommendations M.585-7

DSC Test Call Frequencies

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a critical component of the GMDSS system. To ensure your equipment functions properly, regular testing is required on approved frequencies. These frequencies are specifically designated for testing to prevent interference with emergency communications.

Important Note: Always use these approved frequencies for DSC testing to avoid false distress alerts and ensure compliance with international maritime regulations.

4207.5 kHz (auto-acknowledgment from all USCG stations except Guam)

6312 kHz

8414.5 kHz

12577 kHz

16804.5 kHz

Required GMDSS Equipment Tests

To maintain safety at sea, GMDSS equipment must be regularly tested according to a specific schedule. Each test ensures critical communications systems will function properly in an emergency.

Daily Tests

Daily tests verify the basic functionality of your GMDSS equipment. These quick checks help identify issues before they become critical.

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

Weekly tests ensure that your GMDSS equipment can communicate properly with external stations. These tests verify both transmission and reception capabilities.

MF/HF DSC

Test battery transmit/receive by manually switching off main supply (where applicable)

Conduct DSC test call on any HF channel — MMSI numbers in the tables above

If auto-acknowledgment unavailable: contact station via R/T requesting acknowledgment, or send test call to a nearby vessel

MF/HF Wave Propagation

Time of Day Effects: MF/HF radio waves propagate differently depending on the time of day. At night, these frequencies typically travel farther due to ionospheric changes.

Night Advantage: During nighttime, the D-layer disappears, allowing signals to bounce off higher ionospheric layers and travel much greater distances.

Testing Tip: If you're having difficulty reaching distant stations, try testing after sunset or before sunrise.

Important Note: If no response is received from a coast station, vessel-to-vessel communication may be logged as a fallback. However, a proper coast station call must be performed at the first opportunity.

Remember to press the RTT (Radio Telephone Transmit) button briefly during testing. Be cautious when testing on 8 MHz frequencies — total power loss has been reported on some vessels when activating RTT on these frequencies.

VHF DSC

Conduct internal test between ship's two VHF sets at low power

Ensure automatic acknowledgment feature is active

VHF units usually have built-in daily test functions covering all manufacturer-specified requirements

Monthly Tests

Monthly tests are more comprehensive and focus on emergency equipment that must function reliably in a crisis.

INMARSAT-C

Run built-in diagnostic test according to manufacturer's instructions

Use the Performance Verification (PV) tool to verify system functionality

Perform distress button test (follow specific protocol in manual)

Test SSAS (Ship Security Alert System) — refer to your SMS or consult Ship Security Officer

Verify printer and EGC (Enhanced Group Call) functions are operational

Handheld VHF

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

Check battery expiration dates; recheck batteries and station data after each drill

406 MHz EPIRB

Run self-test function (switch to test mode without breaking the seal, observe light signals)

Inspect for physical damage; check battery expiry date; verify HRU condition

Ensure lanyard, water contacts, and safety clip are intact

AIS-SART

Visual inspection; check battery expiry date; verify legible MMSI label

When testing in port, notify authorities beforehand; verify success via ship's AIS, ECDIS, or radar

X-band SART

Visual examination; check battery expiry date and safety clip position

Avoid sea-based testing; notify port authorities for any port-based test; limit activation to 2–3 radar sweeps if at sea

GMDSS Batteries

For non-sealed wet cells: inspect each cell individually; for others: 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

Equipment Manuals: Always refer to manufacturer instructions and equipment manuals for in-depth testing details specific to your model. If you have specialised knowledge, consider contributing to our Maritime Resource Hub.

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.

GMDSS Logs and Responsibilities

GMDSS Log Requirements:

Every entry must include vessel position (latitude/longitude)
Both local time and UTC time must be recorded with each entry
All tests, failures, repairs, and incidents must be documented

Onboard Responsibilities:

Typically, the 2nd Officer serves as primary GMDSS tester
3rd Officer often serves as emergency response person
All Officers of the Watch (including the Captain) are responsible for correctly filling GMDSS logs

Despite technological advances, many vessels still rely on paper-based GMDSS logs. If you know of effective electronic logging systems, please share at our Maritime Resource Hub.

Coast Radio Stations for MF/HF DSC Testing

Find More Coast Stations

First Digit Meaning

Station Identity Formats

Special Cases

DSC Test Call Frequencies

Required GMDSS Equipment Tests

Daily Tests

VHF DSC

MF/HF DSC

INMARSAT-C

Backup Power

Other Daily Checks

Weekly Tests

MF/HF DSC

MF/HF Wave Propagation

VHF DSC

Monthly Tests

INMARSAT-C

Handheld VHF

406 MHz EPIRB

AIS-SART

X-band SART

GMDSS Batteries

Annual Inspections

Important Reminders

GMDSS Logs and Responsibilities

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