Filing for MMSI number

[steven_ickman]

Ok I'm sorry but I have to vent for a minute...

I've been trying off and on for a couple of weeks to file for MMSI number with the FCC only to get the following message every time I try to file online "Online Filling is currently unavailable due to regular system maintenance". Tonight enough was enough and decided to file a support request simply asking for the "hours of operation for their website". I filled out their support request form and upon submitting it I get the following message:

Support request confirmation
We are unable to process your request at this time. You may either try your request at a later time
or call Support at 877-480-3201. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

KAAAAHHHNNN! You have to be kidding me. I'm sorry but the FCC sucks. How hard is it to leave your website online outside of your office hours. You have to do work to make it not available. Very frustrated...

-steve

 

[knotflying]

Enlighten me, are you trying to get a radio license? If so, I was not aware that you needed an MMSI number to do that. I thought when you obtained an MMSI number it automatically was registered with the Coast Guard and the two are independent of one another. I only say this because I recall getting a radio license for my plane and am trying to figure out how the MMSI number would fit in with an FCC license.

 

[HRowland]

The FCC assigns internationally recognized MMSI numbers. The MMSI number you get from BoatUS or other sites is only recognized by the US Coast Guard.

From the BoatUS MMSI FAQ:

What is the difference between obtaining an MMSI from the FCC and obtaining a number from BoatUS?

BoatUS MMSI numbers are coded for recreational vessels cruising in U.S. waters only not otherwise required to be licensed; the registrations are downloaded into the U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Database (MISLE) only. FCC-assigned MMSI numbers are coded for International Waters and go into the International Search & Rescue Database (ITU). In order to be accepted into the ITU database, any FCC assigned MMSI must end in zero. This is why the BoatUS MMSI number cannot be re-used when later applying for an FCC License for international cruising.

Howard

 

[steven_ickman]

Yes. We're applying for a Nexus card so we can more easily travel up to Canada. Everything I read said the FCC MMSI number is the better one to have in that case but getting one is proving to be an overly complicated task. You first have to apply for an FRN number (what other websites would call "setting up an account") then once you have your FRN number (account) you can supposedly log in and apply for your MMSI number. That's the step I can't seem to make work. 🙁

 

[steven_ickman]

Ok so I finally got my application submitted. For anyone else trying to do this, you first need an FRN number (account) and then you can apply for an FCC Radio License. They're going to ask you the type of license you need and you're going to have no clue which one to pick. It's the "SA or SB - Ship" license which took me 20 minutes to figure out. From there all of the questions are pretty straight forward and it's a $215 application fee.

 

[PuffinStuff]

Although I had a much easier time getting through to the FCC, and ultimately only went with the domestic Boats US MMSI number, the FCC customer service agent I spoke with advised me that a 'Ship Station License' and 'Radio Operators License' were required to be in compliance outside of US waters. Cost for both licenses was approximately $265 as I recall.

 

[tlkenyon]

We plan to do some trailer-lake-boating in Canada maybe this summer and certainly next summer. Can I just shut the radio off when we are there (nobody to talk to anyway), or do I actually need the international MMSI number?

 

[knotflying]

I have been to Canada a few times cruising. I never even thought about getting an FCC license.