BOAT/US MMSI SNAFU

D

Doryman

New member
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
3,807
Reaction score
0
C Dory Year
2006
C Dory Model
255 Tomcat
Vessel Name
Lori Ann
I registered with BoatUS for an MMSI # but have not programmed it into my radio yet (thankfully!) Today I got this from them (as I suspect several Brats did as well). You may recall an extended discussion here about whether registering an MMSI with BoatUS was a good idea, even though much more convenient. If I read this correctly I should start over again, this time with the FCC.

What do you guys think?

Warren

October 18, 2007

Dear BoatUS MMSI Registrant,

Did you know that you have to change your MMSI number if you want to cruise internationally?

Due to a glitch in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing system, your MMSI issued by BoatUS is seen as "invalid" when you choose later to obtain an FCC radio license. BoatUS is trying to fix this problem. In response to a recent FCC Public Notice, we are writing to ask you to tell the FCC to fix their system so boaters can avoid this unneeded inconvenience and cost. Comments are due by November 13, 2007.

Background:
Even though the MMSI VHF radio numbers issued by BoatUS come from the FCC, the FCC's radio licensing system does not accept our MMSI numbers (or those issued by any other private entity) back into their database. This problem occurs when a boater who obtained a number from BoatUS, intended for those boating only on U.S. waters and not needing a license, later decides to cruise to foreign ports and applies for an FCC Ship Station License, as currently required. The BoatUS MMSI numbers are rejected by the FCC, forcing the boater to (1) obtain a new MMSI number from the FCC and (2) go to the trouble and expense of getting their DSC radio reprogrammed with the new number. This often requires sending the radio back to the manufacturer or a service agency with fees.

In May, a petition was filed with the FCC to correct this problem by the National GMDSS Implementation Task Force, of which BoatUS is a member.

Current Situation:
The FCC just released a Public Notice on this petition seeking comments from vessel operators on the inconvenience and cost of embedding new MMSI numbers in DSC VHF marine radios. This notice outlines the request, as well as the comment period which ends 11/13/07.

Click here to read the notice: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/a ... 4212A1.doc

BoatUS Stance:
BoatUS supports streamlining this system, so that boat operators can easily continue to use their MMSI number when they decide to travel internationally, and privately issued numbers are as trouble-free as those issued by the FCC.

What You Can Do:
Please let the FCC know:

That you want this problem fixed so that privately issued MMSI numbers are "portable," the same policy granted to cell phone users.

If you have had your own experience trying to use your MMSI number when applying for an FCC license, please include details, especially if there were costs involved in re-programming your radio.

As more people retire and decide to go cruising, this problem is very likely to get worse. The time to correct it is now.

The integrity of the U.S. Coast Guard's search and rescue system depends upon boaters properly registering their radios. Any unnecessary problems in doing so will deter people from registering or obtaining a license from the FCC.

You can send your comments via email, using the FCC's designated form. Send an e-mail to ecfs@FCC.gov with the words "get form" in the message. A reply e-mail with form and instructions will be sent to you. Remember that comments are due no later than 11/13/07. When you write, refer to the docket number: WT 07-230. All comments will be available for public inspection.

Please share this information with your cruising friends and clubs. We look forward to working together to make boating safer and to streamline compliance with government regulations.

Sincerely,
Margaret Podlich - BoatUS Government Affairs
Elaine Dickinson - BoatUS and member of GMDSS Task Force
GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
Click to expand...
 
Warren,

Like you, I...got a BoatUS MMSI number. However, I programmed mine into the radio. Then, when I decided to get the FCC licenses because we're in Canada so much I was assigned another MMSI from the FCC and must send my radio back to Raymarine to get the BoatUS MMSI purged.

So, my recommendation is get the FCC MMSI and do nothing with the BoatUS version (even though it too comes from the FCC)
 
I will wait and see what happens :wink:
 
Some radios will let you reprogram the MMSI number once but after that, it has to go back to the mfr.

Charlie
 
I don't plan on going to international waters so it's no problem here.
 
I wrote about this over on Navagear.com, and have received a couple of interesting comments, including follow-up from BoatUS's Elaine Dickinson, co-author of the letter quoted above.

Later this week, I've got a related follow-up on MMSI Confusion about GROUP MMSI numbers...wow, that's a real mess!
 
This is pretty much what I have come to expect from the FCC. Too big, too busy and incapable of simplifying anything. I wanted to cancel a radio license and MMSI number a few years back. I was told I needed to fill out a certain form. I downloaded it. It was 14 pages long! The kicker was the notation on the bottom of the form, "This form is provided in accordance with the paperwork reduction act of 19XX".!

Every contact I have with them ends in frustration. Good luck to Boat US straightening this out.
 
I mentioned this just a couple of days ago. You do not need the FCC license (except for the Marine SSB or AIS)--if you stay domestic. Theoretically boaters should have the FCC license for Canada (I did on our large boats, be cause we were going international and had SSB)--but in practice many boats do not get the license--but you do nee the "Operators Permit" in Canada.

I suggested getting the FCC number because of the AIS which has to be registered internationally. But it is going to cost some $$$ to do this. I understand Boat US position--but I also understand the FCC position. Since AIS is going to be an international standard--and is currently required for commercial vessels--and I would not be surprised to see it required for smaller recreational vessels, plus the MMSI number is registered in your EPRIB--again an international registration.

I don't know how "easy" it will be for FCC to go back and "Fix" the numbers given by Boat US, Power Squadron, Sea Tow, etc--but it probably should be done.

I am just surprised that Boat US had not been notifying people about this problem in the past. They have been aware of it for some time.
 
Back
Top