MMSI

S

sailor-d

New member
I don't want to start a whole debate on MMSI - just a point. I applied for and received my MMSI quite a while ago to configure my VHF for DSC. Later I searched and checked my MMSI on:

http://www.itu.int/cgi-bin/htsh/mars/ship_search.sh

My vessel is in the system. For interest I ran JMR II and his MMSI 338032619 but he does not appear to be in the system. Are there gaps in "the system"? any explanations?

Note: my application and subsequent number was granted by a department of the Canadian Government.
 
BoatUS offers free MMSI numbers for recreational boaters through an arrangement with the FCC & USCG. My MMSI number didn't show up in the ITU database, so I suspect folks who have registered for MMSI numbers through BoatUS may not be in the ITU system.
 
Same here!

bjidzik":2ut1wepu said:
BoatUS offers free MMSI numbers for recreational boaters through an arrangement with the FCC & USCG. My MMSI number didn't show up in the ITU database, so I suspect folks who have registered for MMSI numbers through BoatUS may not be in the ITU system.
Click to expand...
 
sailor-d":1rjnyd5o said:
I don't want to start a whole debate on MMSI - just a point. I applied for and received my MMSI quite a while ago to configure my VHF for DSC. Later I searched and checked my MMSI on:

http://www.itu.int/cgi-bin/htsh/mars/ship_search.sh

My vessel is in the system. For interest I ran JMR II and his MMSI 338032619 but he does not appear to be in the system. Are there gaps in "the system"? any explanations?

Note: my application and subsequent number was granted by a department of the Canadian Government.
Click to expand...

BoatUS is where I got mine!! I tried my Radio Station call sign also (WDB-2581) to no avail???:moon :wink: :mrgreen: :beer
Dam fine database???
 
There is a reasonable explanation for the incomplete data base. The ITU is the International Telecommunications Union. It is an agency of the United Nations.
 
I remember hearing something about BoatUS MMSI numbers and not being registered with ITU. I did a quick search and this is what I came up with:

MMSI Demystified

It basically says that unless you are traveling internationally and get a station license from the FCC with an MMSI number you will not be registered with ITU.

Also know that a lot of places the Coast Guard doesn't have DSC on VHF yet, and not at all in Alaska.

Hope this helps.
 
So I can just tattoo it on the top of my bald head so the search and rescue folks can see it when flying over.

Does our government ever work as planned to help out the citizens that pay their wages???
 
So what's the current state of confusion regarding this matter? I have yet to apply for an MMSI no., mainly because there is no one on my home waters equipped to respond, more or less, to anything. But while touring the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Thunder Bay last summer, it suddently occurred to me that, while out in the Canadian waters of Lake Superior, there is quite good capability to respond. So how do I get an MMSI no. that would be recognized by the database that Canada uses?
Al
 
I applied and got my MMSI number from the FCC. My info shows in the ITU database, so perhaps that's your answer. If you are going international (Canada qualifies) you are required to have a FCC radio license anyway.

Seems to me the Boat US MMSI numbers were established to allow folks to use the DSC direct calling feature of their radios without having to pay the $150 radio license fee to the government.
 
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