Acquiring MMSI number

[mherrcat]

Now that I have installed my new VHF radio and have been looking into the MMSI number assignment I have discovered there are two ways to do this; go to BoatUS and get a number from them or get an FCC radio operators license and get a number from the FCC. The difference is that the number from BoatUS is only registered with the Coast Guard in the US; the number you get from the FCC is registered internationally. The numbers are different by one digit and apparently a US-only number cannot be registered internationally; you have to get a different number.

I also understand that even though no radio license is required to operate a VHF radio in the US, a license is required to operate one in Mexico and other countries.

So the question is, would it not be worthwhile to just get the FCC license and an internationally registered number? The FCC license would also qualify me to operate a SSB radio if I ever get one at some point.

I looked up the FCC requirements and found a website that offered practice tests for the radio technician's license. With just my basic knowledge of RF systems I was only three incorrect answers short of passing the test. The study guide for the test is only $30 so it seems like it would be worthwhile...

 

[toddbrsd]

Thanks for the Reminder

I don't have any reply to your question, but you just reminded me to "load" my MMSI number that I got a few months back. I just installed my new VHF yesterday. Now where did I put that number?!?

UPDATE:

Found it. Just had to log in to BoatUS MMSI page.

 

[Sven]

We did the FCC route since we are heading out. If you won't be heading out there probably is no reason to do so.

If you do the FCC route check off all the options, EPIRB, and everything else ... no reason not to. That was a suggestion from a number of folks and we saw no reason to disagree.



-Sven

 

[treilley]

I got my MMSI and RR(SSB) license on the FCC site last fall and did not have to take an exam. I think you only need to take the exam for a HAM license.

Beware, just like the USCG documentation, there are service companies out there that will help you get your licensing for a fee. It is pretty easy to figure out on your own as is the USCG documentation.

Lots of good info here:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations

 

[mherrcat]

Thanks for the tip. I just looked at the FCC site and it appears all you have to do is file the forms and pay the fees.

 

[Jeff Asbury]

It's funny that I just saw this post today because I finally registered today after purchasing my DSC VHF back in 2007. A dock neighbor friend was wondering what the "distress button" was for on my VHF yesterday, so that motivated me to do it today. I went through the Boat US site: http://www.boatus.com/MMSI/

It was pretty easy to do but I did get stuck on the form, where it asks you to post your name and or company. I missed the "and or" part, so I called Boat US. They put me in contact with their MMSI expert and I got a lot of good information from him over the phone. Skip the "Company" field! Lots of very helpful information from the guy on the phone. The good thing about having a older unit is that you are allowed to program it twice if need be, not just once with the newer DSC's. Going to program the radio tonight.

The MMSI expert, really encouraged me to watch the on-line video, which I intend to do today as well. Heres that link: http://www.boatus.com/foundation/dsc/player.html

 

[Sven]

Hi Jeff,

This is from memory so don't make me swear to it. I think you can only use the BoatUS site for registrations that will be used in the US. I think you have to use the government site if you want to use it in other waters.

This is where we went for the needed form http://transition.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605.html



-Sven

 

[mherrcat]

I just watched that slide show. Some good info there.
I didn't know about the SEE-LONCE MAYDAY, SEE-LONCE FEE-NEE, and SEE-LONCE DISTRESS signals...

The BoatUS registration only applies to US waters; the MMSI they issue is not valid (not registered) outside the US.

 

[Jeff Asbury]

Hi Jeff,

This is from memory so don't make me swear to it. I think you can only use the BoatUS site for registrations that will be used in the US. I think you have to use the government site if you want to use it in other waters.

This is where we went for the needed form http://transition.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605.html



-Sven

Yeah, I get it, don't plan on sailing to other Countries any time soon. Especially Mexico right now. Did you see that Fishing boat out of Costa Mesa that got rammed by a Mexican Navel vessel on the news last week.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=8217815

When the time comes, I will keep that in mind. Thanks.

 

[Sven]

Yeah, I get it, don't plan on sailing to other Countries any time soon. Especially Mexico right now. Did you see that Fishing boat out of Costa Mesa that got rammed by a Mexican Navel vessel on the news last week.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=8217815

When the time comes, I will keep that in mind. Thanks.

Wow, not nice.



-Sven

 

[Jeff Asbury]

Wow, not nice.



-Sven

Canada, is looking better & better. Plus, I have sailed there. A lot more fresh water, fresh fish, shell fish and food gathering ashore.

 

[Jeff Asbury]

Okay, I got the number in the radio. Now how do I know if it works?

 

[mherrcat]

Try making an individual DSC call to someone whose MMSI number you know and that is programmed into your VHF radio.

 

[Jeff Asbury]

Yeah, I thought of that Mark. Hopefully I can get a dock neighbor or two to try it out with. I think you would be out of range up there in Channel Islands. I miss my day's sailing to Santa Cruz Island. I love the Ventura / Oxnard area as well.

 

[mherrcat]

I haven't registered for an MMSI number yet, so my radio is not programmed. I added a friend's number to the DSC calling list yesterday but I couldn't subsequently select it; I think that is because I haven't put my number in yet.

I think you would be out of range up there in Channel Islands.

I did a radio check with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Newport on Sunday...

 

[Jeff Asbury]

Yup, don't work with out the number. Watch the video instructions here: http://www.boatus.com/foundation/dsc/player.html

Long winded, but worth it.