MMSI

sailor-d · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:11 pm Post subject: MMSI

The big buzz last spring was MMSI and all its wonderful capabilites when coupled with VHF and a chartplotter. Did anyone ever use it (or figure it out) to any practical advantage?

Cheers - Dave

Adeline · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:51 pm Post subject:

Hi Dave, My VHF and a chartplotter are all wired up but are so far untested. When(if) that changes I'll post the results here first.

Notayot · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:08 pm Post subject:

We have our number installed in the radio, but untested also. The system is up and operating here in Port Angeles, but we have not had the need to send any distress messages. Also, I have not used the calling capabilities to communicate with other boats. I just use the good old channel 16, but we're ready to receive the distress signals, or use them if needed.

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:14 pm Post subject:

I found this link today on another site. I have not had the time to go thru the tutorail yet but it sound like a good source of useful info.

http://www.boatus.com/foundation/dsc/player.html

journey on · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:26 pm Post subject:

We got our free MMSI number from Boat-US, through the internet.

Boris

K7MXE · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:18 am Post subject:

I elected to do it by mail to get my number and I am still waiting. Go figure. I sent it to boat US.

Bob Heselberg
Eatonville Wa[/b]

davehogue555 · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:58 am Post subject:

I got mine a couple of days ago through BoatUS.com, only took a few minutes, and the advantage is that if you ever need to change emergency contacts, update cell numbers, etc....you can do it right there online. You've got to pay attention entering the 9 digit code into the radio, read the owner's manual first, because you only get two tries. So far untested.

Dave

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 10:39 am Post subject:

As an operational note, please be aware,and make your crew aware, that to activate a distress call with the new DSC equiped radios you MUST hold the activating button down for at least 5 seconds. The distress message is sent out over Ch. 70 and if you have registered and inputted your MSSI number into your radio correctly AND have it connected to your GPS properly it will send out your lat and long, and tell the coasties what and who you are. Only 10% of boat owners with the new DSC radios have registered them to date.

Gene Morris · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 11:32 am Post subject:

I have had my MMSI numbers for 5 years. We have never had an occasion to use it (Thank God). But, I have heard some distress calls that would have saved lives if they had the radio/gps hooked up and a dsc button. Instead of taking hours to find a boat (or life raft) it can take only minutes. In the cold water we have here this is a life saving procedure.
Another use for the mmsi is to locate fellow boaters in your group. Many new radios will recognize a friends mmsi signal and give you that persons location, without broadcasting an emergency. I haven't practiced this option yet. But as soon as our boating season starts I'll work on that option.

Gene

ORCA · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:20 pm Post subject: MMSI number

Hi

Does anybody know how I, as an german citizen, with a c-dory,
registered in Michigan, can get an MMSI Nr in the US ??? Confused

My DSC-VHF is hooked up to my CP 1000C Gps and ready...
Very Happy

Regards from Kalkaska , MI

Chris

The snow is finally melting here... Very Happy

Larry H · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 4:01 pm Post subject:

Chris,

I have heard that the MMSI numbers issued by Boat US only puts your information in the US data base and the information associated with the number does not show in the international data bases.

If you are operating out of the USA, a MMSI number issued by the FCC puts your information (boat, contact phone #, etc.)into the international data base.

The US FCC requires a Ship Radio Station Authorization (license)for US vessels which go on international voyages or communicate with non US stations.

A far as I know no one in the US or Canada checks on the status of your license.

If your boat is registered in the US, I think you could apply to BOAT US for a free MMSI number. That number would allow you to use the DSC functions of your VHF radio.

Here is a link to the FCC home page:

http://www.fcc.gov/

The FCC application form is FCC 605 and I don't see any place on that form where they ask about your citizenship.

ORCA · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:44 pm Post subject:

Hi Larry

Thanks for the help Thumbs Up

As we are going into Canada, I think I will have to get a Ship Radio Station Authorization (license) and MMSI for US vessels! Rolling Eyes

Any idea how i can get one ? Confused

Is there any test involved ? Confused

regards Chris

Larry H · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:59 pm Post subject:

Chris,

You can go the the FCC link above and search 'Ship Radio Station Authorization', or try this link:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html

You will have to get a FRN registration number and then fill out the form FCC 605. After that you have to pay the fee and if you have filled out the form successfully, the FCC will issue a license online and mail you a copy. You will also need a Restricted Radiotelephone Operators License. No test, just pay more money!

There is a phone contact number and I would print out the application, fill it out and then call and ask to verify the correctness of the form prior to submitting it. You can submit the form and pay the fees online.

After checking on all this, some folks have decided to just go without the licenses and get the MMSI number from Boat US.

There was a long discussion here a couple of years ago about whether or not to get a license. I cannot advise anyone to forgo the license, that would be a personal choice. In Canada, boats use their boat name on the VHF, and you are going inland, probably well away from the coastal VHF and Canadian Coast Guard coverage.

To be legal with the US FCC you need both licenses.

Larry H

ORCA · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:22 pm Post subject:

Hi Larry

Thanks for all your help ! Thumbs Up

I really appreciate that...

Regards Chris

thataway · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 10:07 pm Post subject:

This gets a liitle off the MMSI number. The VHF has a very limited range--and specifically in the remote area you are going into, there will be much of the area where a DSC distress will do you no good.

Where Chris and crew are going, it will be far more important to have personal GPS enabled EPRIB's and a ship's EPIRB, which will be picked up by the 406 mhz Sat Sar international satellite program. Some countries put the MMSI in the data base for the registration of the EPRIB. I do not believe that the US or Canada puts the MMSI in the EPRIB data base. Germany does put the MMSI in the EPIRB Database. (According to an appendex of the US CG decument on International Marintime Organization).

I don't know the implications of registration of the MMSI in the US vs Canada, VS Germany for a German Citizen, who owns a US boat, voyaging a river in Canada, but my best guess is that rescue will come much more reliably with an 406 EPRIB.