MMSI and traveling to Canada

[dwbettine]

I am interested in obtaining an MMSI number and am wondering if anyone has advice or experience related to MMSI and radio use in Canada? From what I can glean from the Internet, an FCC Ship Station License is technically required to use a VHF radio in Canadian waters, however that rule or law is seldom enforced. Any thoughts?

 

[Chimo]

There's a recent thread on this subject over on C-Brats. It has a lot of info. and opinions, including mine. Let me know if you need more help.

Cheers

 

[Bruce Moore]

Having a station license, or not, probably doesn't make much difference. But, if you get your MMSI number from the FCC, it will be in an international database shared by the U.S. and Canada. If you get it from Boat U.S., it won't be. It boils down to an added margin of safety in the event of an emergency in Canadian waters.

 

[Scuba Too]

I applied for the MMSI from the FFC yesterday and this morning I received the number, so the process is pretty fast right now. It did take awhile to navigate the website. I was stuck in a loop of "click here for efiling" which would then take me to another screen describing efiling lol. It was more expensive compared to BoatUS ($200 vs $0-$25) however I do like that it's listed in international databases.

 

[zekeandboone]

Scuba Too........ I had the same problem.........
How did you get out of the stuck loop?

 

[Scuba Too]

Hi Steve,

By clicking all around lol.

First step is to go to the ULS system and register as a new user (or log in if already registered):

http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home

After following the steps for registration, you can log into the Licensing Manager. There's a menu selection on the left and at the top is Apply for a New License.

Let me know if this works for you.

By the way, great pic on Facebook with the diving helmet!

Eric

 

[BobnDoc]

Got as far as you described but don't know which radio service to apply for.
Cynthia

 

[Scuba Too]

Yeah it's a long list! Select "SA or SB" from the list. You'll be prompted with some questions and it'll narrow down to "SA".

 

[baz]

Scuba Too: Thanks for those tips for navigating the FCC web site to obtain the MMSI. 🙂

 

[baz]

I am interested in obtaining an MMSI number and am wondering if anyone has advice or experience related to MMSI and radio use in Canada? From what I can glean from the Internet, an FCC Ship Station License is technically required to use a VHF radio in Canadian waters, however that rule or law is seldom enforced. Any thoughts?

Note that an FCC Radio License is not transferable. When I sold my R-25 that had an FCC Radio License I had to spend some time canceling the license with the FCC so that the new owner of my R-25 could obtain his (cancellation can be done online)... Not a big hassle but can be a means of having to communicate with the new owner some time later after the sale transaction.... :lol:

Also, a new FCC Radio License is good/valid ONLY for 10 years.

 

[BobnDoc]

Success!!! Many thanks for the help with the MMSI application. You all are great.
Cynthia