URGENT EMERGENCY DSC CALL BUTTON USE

[thataway]

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.

First Boat US is a good cause--they are one of the few lobbying organizations for the recreational boaters--and make all of our lives easier. USPS is also a good cause--there is some "cost" to them to issue the number, but they hope that you will take one of their courses and join the Power Squadron. The power squadron courses are excellent, and I hope that you will take some. Any function provided by any organization has a "cost"--the time it takes to open a letter and read it or same for an E-mail. Then the number has to be assigned and recorded.

The $25 to Boat US goes to the same place as if you joined, you rightfully noted that is an incentive to join. It goes to pay "overhead" and personal. As already noted you as a presumed tax payer have paid a few pennies to have the the MMSI number registered and the CG to respond with rescue operations.

 

[zuunami]

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

 

[hardee]

BoatUS is a business, US Power Squadron is not/ Main Reason. :roll:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[zuunami]

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]

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?

Because they know which number comes in when. If they get a DSC alert on one number and then later get an alert on the other and since they know they both come from the same owner, they can probably figure the scenario out and know which location to go first.

FWIW, they are more likely to get the first alert and not the second because the main radio on the boat usually has much more transmit power (and antenna height). Depends on the exact situation though.

 

[thataway]

BoatUS is a business, US Power Squadron is not/ Main Reason. :roll:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

I am not so sure I agree with that. Certainly the business models are different, but still a business.

Here is the cost to join Power Squadron:

The first year's membership for an individual is $97.00 and $133.00 for the entire family. Squadron's are the backbone of the organization. They teach courses, perform civic services such as vessel examinations and cooperative charting, as well as conducting boating and social activities

The courses have fees, which include material. There items sold at an apparel store etc. They also sponsor insurance. I believe that the Power Squadron also advocates for boaters by lobbying. They also have a structure similar to a Yacht Club, with Port and Fleet Captains, Various Lieutenants and Commanders.

zuunami wrote

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.

The penalty for that is stiff $16,000 fine. There are many improper MMSI numbers, most are honest errors, expired licenses, and sold vessels without transfer of the number. But there are some fake ones--and they can cause a lot of trouble.

 

[Karl Konecny]

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.