URGENT EMERGENCY DSC CALL BUTTON USE

Csharpx · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:55 am Post subject:

Thanks for the information !

gstraub · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 8:26 am Post subject:

The MMSI is administered by the government through the FCC. The option to get one through BoatUS is a way to get one for DOMESTIC use without having to go through the expense of getting a FCC Station license for the vessel. The MMSI you get through BoatUS is not stored in the international database at the ITU, so foreign agencies do not have access to the information. If you sail internationally, you need to have the FCC license anyway, and the MMSI is issued as part of that and that MMSI is stored in the international database.

Bottom line, the government is not farming the MMSI numbers out to BoatUS but allowing an easier and cheaper way to get one so boaters that are not required to have a FCC license do not have to go through that process and pay that fee.

thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 3:53 pm Post subject:

Theoretically any recreational vessel (Voluntary License) who goes into foreign Ports is required to have the Ship's Radio License. There has been along exception (not enforced) that it is not required in Canada. If you go to the Bahamas, and in theory to Mexico or any other foreign waters then it is required. The Personal Locator beacon and EPRIB are all international registration in the SAT SAR data base.

From FCC:

zuunami · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 3:56 pm Post subject:

I got a MMSI number today free from USPS. Still don't understand why they can provide them for free, but BoatUS can't. I'm thinking BoatUS is just using it as a marketing tool - i.e., if I go to their site and see that it's going to cost $25 for a MMSI, why don't I just pay the extra fee for membership. But where does the $25 go?

I can see how someone could just program in a fake MMSI number (it's just a 9 digit code beginning with a 3 digit geo indicator) - but why in the world would someone want to make fake calls. I can't imagine that sort of activity is so prevalent that someone decided not to allow MMSI numbers to be easily changed on a unit as a deterrent, until recently.

letitride · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:02 pm Post subject:

Question for the experts, my fixed radio has a MMSI number, now I purchased a new handheld radio the iCOM IC-M94D plan to register a new different MMSI number for the handheld one.

1. If you press the DSC button on the main boat VHF radio and then later have to get out of the boat and are drifting then press the handheld DSC button you have 2 different DCS MMSI numbers listed how does the authorities / rescuers know where to go 1st?

thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:05 pm Post subject:

zuunami · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:19 pm Post subject:

thataway, I didn't intend to disparage BoatUS, I'm sure they are a fine organization. I just don't like grey lines between government and private organizations Smile

hardee · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:19 pm Post subject:

BoatUS is a business, US Power Squadron is not/ Main Reason. Rolling Eyes

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

zuunami · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:23 pm Post subject:

and, just a side note, getting the number was automated and was issued in about 2 seconds. with an auto email confirmation. So I don't think there's much cost involved, the new numbers are probably automatically sent to the USCG also.

ssobol · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 6:55 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 7:16 pm Post subject:

Karl Konecny · Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 11:19 am Post subject:

I wouldn't complain too much about the BoatUS $25 fee. I just went through the FCC for my MMSI (since I plan on boating in Canada and maybe Baja). The cost was $220, which includes an unneeded ship radio station license. The bureaucratic maze with the FCC was not a pleasant experience as well.