Changing Boat name in Garmin AIS 600

[Bpwicks]

Does anyone have experience in changing their boat name (NOT MMSI #) in their Garmin AIS 600?

I located a data file that I believe will allow me to connect to the AIS unit by USB cable, but I don't want to try this blindly.

I contacted Garmin support and they said I would not be able to change the name and would have to physically take the unit to a Garmin dealer to have it completely reset.
Trying to avoid that hassle.

Thanks for any help that can be forwarded!

 

[Genuine Drift]

Are you located in Canada or the U.S.? To modify the vessel's name associated with an MMSI number, this can be done through the government entity that is responsible for MMSI registrations. If you are located in Canada I can email you the link to modify the vessel's MMSI information.

Regards,

Steve

 

[Jesperjo]

When I asked about this I was told that any Garmin dealer can modify it in the AIS unit and it doesn’t need to be done through the government entity. It just needs the correct cable, the Garmin software, and a PC to run the software on (as I have none of those things I haven’t done it myself).

It is correct to my knowledge that the connection between the MMSI number and the boat name does have to be modified by the entity that issued the MMSI but that AFAIK, applies to the radio database used to register the MMSI, and is not used by the AIS system. I was led to understand that those things are fully separate, although I haven’t yet done this myself so I can’t vouch for it being correct. I’d love to learn if that understanding is wrong. Perhaps call a Garmin dealer and ask?

 

[Submariner]

When I asked about this I was told that any Garmin dealer can modify it in the AIS unit and it doesn’t need to be done through the government entity. It just needs the correct cable, the Garmin software, and a PC to run the software on (as I have none of those things I haven’t done it myself).

It is correct to my knowledge that the connection between the MMSI number and the boat name does have to be modified by the entity that issued the MMSI but that AFAIK, applies to the radio database used to register the MMSI, and is not used by the AIS system. I was led to understand that those things are fully separate, although I haven’t yet done this myself so I can’t vouch for it being correct. I’d love to learn if that understanding is wrong. Perhaps call a Garmin dealer and ask?

Garmin doesn't make their software available in the US. Their download page will refer you to a dealer. Without the software, it's not possible to connect to the Garmin AIS unit to modify its local configuration.

Now, if you were outside the US, you are able to download the software from Garmin's website.

This is what Garmin publishes for the Garmin 800 AIS

Garmin AIS 800 Setup Software | Garmin Customer Support

Garmin Support Center is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

Additional info for the Garmin 600 AIS, and other Garmin AIS products.

Garmin VHF/AIS Programming and Reprogramming Guide | Garmin Customer Support

Garmin Support Center is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

 

[Jesperjo]

Garmin doesn't make their software available in the US. Their download page will refer you to a dealer. Without the software, it's not possible to connect to the Garmin AIS unit to modify its local configuration.

Now, if you were outside the US, you are able to download the software from Garmin's website.

This is what Garmin publishes for the Garmin 800 AIS

Garmin AIS 800 Setup Software | Garmin Customer Support

Garmin Support Center is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

Additional info for the Garmin 600 AIS, and other Garmin AIS products.

Garmin VHF/AIS Programming and Reprogramming Guide | Garmin Customer Support

Garmin Support Center is where you will find answers to frequently asked questions and resources to help with all of your Garmin products.

support.garmin.com

I was under the impression that dealers have access to the software though, right @Submariner? I knew that they didn’t make it available to individuals but the site says as well that dealers can get it.

Do they make it available to individuals outside the U.S. If so it probably wouldn’t be terribly difficult to obtain even if one happens to be physically inside the U.S.

 

[Submariner]

I was under the impression that dealers have access to the software though, right @Submariner? I knew that they didn’t make it available to individuals but the site says as well that dealers can get it.

Do they make it available to individuals outside the U.S. If so it probably wouldn’t be terribly difficult to obtain even if one happens to be physically inside the U.S.

Garmin dealers have the software, though I doubt they would reprogram an AIS unit for no cost. They also need the unit, which means removing it from the boat and taking it to the dealer.

 

[Full_O_Fish]

Within the US vessel owners/operators are "legally" not allowed to make alterations to their own AIS ship static data (MMSI, Ship name, Dimensions, Etc.) per the FCC. Over the years I would say that this warning does very little to deter most, and it is mostly only instances such as yours where access to the required programming software is the limiting factor which pushes one to following the letter of the law and seeking out a dealer to do the reprogramming. In the case of the AIS600 there are ways to find copies of the software online for download and this will allow anyone with it to simply connect to the USB port on the unit and update/adjust the static data freely; however, it takes a "secret" dealer code in order to fully reset the unit in order to change an MMSI number. Since MMSI's are assigned to vessels for life, there are very few instances where this would ever be necessary, but they would include purchasing a used unit that came off another vessel, changing from a BoatUS to an FCC issued MMSI number to allow for international travel, or an incorrectly programmed number along with a few other very fringe cases.

If you're unable to get it done locally or yourself, feel free to PM me, I am a dealer and have all of the software tools to accomplish whatever you need.

 

[Bpwicks]

Thanks, Full-O. Your suggestions are in line with what I deduced. I will give it a try and maybe stay one step ahead of the law…
BPW

 

[OverTime]

Garmin dealers have the software, though I doubt they would reprogram an AIS unit for no cost. They also need the unit, which means removing it from the boat and taking it to the dealer.

We have a lot of Garmin "dealers" listed around here but they just seem to sell them, not program them. How do I find a service dealer so I can take my unit to them? Thanks.

 

[Submariner]

We have a lot of Garmin "dealers" listed around here but they just seem to sell them, not program them. How do I find a service dealer so I can take my unit to them? Thanks.

Your best bet is to find a Garmin authorized service center online and mail them your unit.

I am not affiliated with, in any way, Milltech Marine. But they offer reprogramming AIS transponders for $100.

AIS and VHF Service

 

[Mastercraft]

Fisheries in Seattle will do it. You may need proof it is not stolen

 

[dougxn]

I did this a few years ago and if you want my opinion, don’t bother! It is a pain in the a@s and nothing except your ocd (mine in my case) is soothed. You will will probably, if your ocd is like mine, eventually just replace the unit

 

[dougxn]

I did this a few years ago and if you want my opinion, don’t bother! It is a pain in the a@s and nothing except your ocd (mine in my case) is soothed. You will will probably, if your ocd is like mine, eventually just replace the unit

 

[abastos]

I updated my MMSI and Boat Name in both AIS 600 and VHF radio 1 month ago. I asked S3 Maritime to do the job. They are Garmin authorized dealer. They did the service in my own boat, no need to remove the AIS or VHF Radio. In 1 hour the service was done on both devices. Highly recommend S3.

 

[watson1987]

I updated my MMSI and Boat Name in both AIS 600 and VHF radio 1 month ago. I asked S3 Maritime to do the job. They are Garmin authorized dealer. They did the service in my own boat, no need to remove the AIS or VHF Radio. In 1 hour the service was done on both devices. Highly recommend S3.

Got them to re-program my VHF a few years ago. 1 hour service call charge. Was easy!

 

[AdamK]

Does anyone have experience in changing their boat name (NOT MMSI #) in their Garmin AIS 600?

I located a data file that I believe will allow me to connect to the AIS unit by USB cable, but I don't want to try this blindly.

I contacted Garmin support and they said I would not be able to change the name and would have to physically take the unit to a Garmin dealer to have it completely reset.
Trying to avoid that hassle.

Thanks for any help that can be forwarded!

Just purchased a 10 year old Cutwater C-30, and trying to get all set up. Garmin told me to work with a local dealer. Was told by S3 that they cannot reprogram my VHF 200 because it is too old, no longer supported (it's a 10 year old boat, not an antique!!!.....and both the VHF and AIS work fine, just need reprogramming). S3 could do the AIS for $175 (min charge of 1 hour tech time). I have now spent 7 hours on hold over past 2 days with Garmin, but they just told me that they cannot support EITHER the AIS 600 or the VHF 200!!! This is ridiculous. This is my first Garmin boat, had Icom and Furuno for past 30 years on 3 previous boats. Will now be looking at a replacement for the VHF, it won't be Garmin. Guess I'll need to bite the bullet and pay the $175 (and 2 hours drive time) to get the AIS 600 reprogrammed. Grrrrr...<end of rant>

 

[gswearin]

I hear you!! I'm generally very happy with the Garmin products and they have great customer service. But their end-of-life policies are rather offensive. Just a way to keep people upgrading. (Then my pet peeve of why does a plotter that cost thousands of dollars require us to go out and buy our own SD card!! Memory is cheap!)

 

[Full_O_Fish]

Just purchased a 10 year old Cutwater C-30, and trying to get all set up. Garmin told me to work with a local dealer. Was told by S3 that they cannot reprogram my VHF 200 because it is too old, no longer supported (it's a 10 year old boat, not an antique!!!.....and both the VHF and AIS work fine, just need reprogramming). S3 could do the AIS for $175 (min charge of 1 hour tech time). I have now spent 7 hours on hold over past 2 days with Garmin, but they just told me that they cannot support EITHER the AIS 600 or the VHF 200!!! This is ridiculous. This is my first Garmin boat, had Icom and Furuno for past 30 years on 3 previous boats. Will now be looking at a replacement for the VHF, it won't be Garmin. Guess I'll need to bite the bullet and pay the $175 (and 2 hours drive time) to get the AIS 600 reprogrammed. Grrrrr...<end of rant>

Unless you are changing the vessel MMSI from a BoatUS U.S. based number to an international ships station license with the FCC, there is nothing to update as the MMSI number will stay assigned to the vessel for life, you just update the registry for it online.

If you wish to have the AIS600 reprogrammed, feel free to shoot me a PM and I can give you a few options.

 

[AdamK]

Unless you are changing the vessel MMSI from a BoatUS U.S. based number to an international ships station license with the FCC, there is nothing to update as the MMSI number will stay assigned to the vessel for life, you just update the registry for it online.

If you wish to have the AIS600 reprogrammed, feel free to shoot me a PM and I can give you a few options.

We are changing from BoatUS mmsi to our mmsi issued to my FCC license, so we do need to reprogram the AIS and vhf. I’ll send you a PM to discuss options for the AIS600, thanks