Track your Buddy VHF

Track your Buddy is a fantastic feature that allows you to connect your VHF DSC position polling with your compatible chartplotter/ combo, to show the location of up to 3 boating friends on the Chart display. First introduced in 2004 in the Navman 7200, it is surprising that more owners do not make use of this feature.

 

It is also so easy to set up, you need:

  • a Lowrance/Simrad DSC radio with Track your Buddy feature
  • the MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number of your buddies DSC Radio
  • your B&G/ Lowrance/ Simrad chartplotter/ combo

 

Once entered, your VHF will regularly poll your buddies' positions & the chartplotter will regularly update their locations by MMSI number on your screen.

 

An MMSI number is a unique nine-digit code assigned to a Boat. Owners and Operators of VHF and MF/ HF marine radios must hold a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency, to obtain an MMSI number from AMSA. All VHF users are required to have a certificate, yet few make the effort.

 

Without a MMSI, owners also go without a major safety feature - DSC, the ability to automatically transmit who you are and your position in an emergency. Not everybody gets enough time to call for help!

 

Track your Buddy offers the safety of not only knowing where others are, but having them know where you are too, as well as allowing for teamwork, convenience, or just for fun.

Track Your Buddy allows you to see up to 3 friends on your compatible chartplotter