MMSI #

Boatox

New member
Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
4
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2599D808
Vessel Name
Pookie II
What is a MMSI #? I didn't register mine, as I don't know what it is. Decipher for me please.
 
Go to:
http://boatus.com/

Search MMSI and they will tell you all about MMSI plus you can register through them.

Henry
 
We registered through Boatus. We think it is an important safety measusre so the Coast Gaurd can locate you in an emergency. The other important thing to remember is, once you enter your # , the # stays with the boat. I don't think you can take that # with you if you sell the boat etc. Also, make sure you enter the # correctly. I have read, on c-brats, that you cannot go back and edit or change the # unless you send the radio back to the manufacturer.

Anyone feel free to chime in if I am wrong....

Nancy
 
The number stays with the RADIO, where you entered it. If you sell the boat and leave the radio, it stays. You don't want to do that, either take the radio, delete the MMSI number, or have the new owner change the MMSI number in the radio. That number has info on YOU associated with it as well as the boat.

Some radios will allow you to change the MMSI number yourself one or a couple of times, after that, it's gotta go back to the factory. If you do get another boat and use the MMSI number again, you can go into the MMSI database, wherever you registered for the number and edit in the new information associated with the new boat.

Charlie
 
Hey Boatox, glad to see you on Tugnuts!

MMSI is a new and important safety tool for your toolbox and the Coast Guard's ability to find you. When you open the small cover on your Ray 54 VHF radio and push the distress key, the information that you have pre-loaded in the radio (you and your vessel info) along with your GPS location is sent to the Coast Guard in a micro-burst of information. The MMSI also allows you to give your unique number to other boaters like a chat-group. You can scroll to their MMSI number on your radio, touch a button and it will send a signal directly to them. This signal gives your location and may switch the channel on your radio to a working frequency instantly. This eliminates the voice chatter over the air of boaters trying to raise boaters.

A must-do before you take to the water on your journey is to take the online MMSI and VHF tutorial that BoatUS has on their website. I have been boating for over 20 years and still learned something. The Ray 54 radio is great but its features and commands are not as easy as other brands to master and navigate through. We have posted the key commands of the radio near it because I cannot remember all of it.

One improvement that I did after our 1,600 mile inland river trip through all the locks and talking to all of the towboats was to move the VHF radio to the top of the pilot's console. In the original location, seeing the LED display at such a steep angle was hard. I had to stoop down to see the channel numbers and the GPS numbers when boating buddies would call me using the MMSI feature. The factory cannot change the location of the radio and maintain their international certification because, if moved, the radio MAY obstruct the view through the windshield. That would happen, of course, if the pilot is under four feet tall.
 
REALLY :?: "The factory cannot change the location of the radio and maintain their international certification because, if moved, the radio MAY obstruct the view through the windshield."

Factory, is that right? Seems a little unreasonable, but then that's how "certifications" sometimes are...

Charlie
 
How true. I need to get off the helm seat to read the dad blame display. I told Andrew that was a poor setup.
captd
 
You do need to ensure the VHF is connected to the GPS so it knows and can transmit your location. I know it is straight forward to connect with the Raymarine system - I don't know anything about connecting with the Garmin equipment.

mac
 
To what degree does MMSI do the work of EPIRB?

Norb
 
A little -

MMSI works thru VHF so the range is limited. An Epirb uses satellites - works everywhere.

MMSI is useful for calling other boats (if you have their MMSI number, you can just dial them up). No need to hail them on channel 16. You can also call group lists..

Mac
 
And, most importantly, the E in EPIRB stands for EMERGENCY. An EPIRB is ONLY used if you have one. The MMSI is used then too but at other times as well.

Charlie
 
I've been wondering about this too. BoatUS MMSI application has to be printed and faxed in, so I found the Power Squadron site handy to do the registration on-line: http://www.usps.org/php/mmsi/gps.php However, there are no instructions about what questions mean on the on-line registration form.

Here's some advice: Radio Call Sign: can stay blank since most leisure craft will not obtain one or use their name instead. Vessel Wireless Number 1, 2, 3, and 4: all simply apply to up to four cell phones that typically are onboard the vessel. Registration Number: can be documentation # or state reg #. Vessel Homeport: is your marina or home address. Vessel Capacity: is not weight but how many people are typically onboard. No Query Response: No idea what this is. The BoatUS form offers a bit more about what application items are needed: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/MMSI.txt Also, the BoatUS form tells you via * which items must be filled in. Nothing is easy!

Jerry
 
I obtained my MMSI number online from BoatUS. I did not have to fax it in. I don't even own a fax.
 
Some comments that may be (or may not be) of use:

I moved the VHF so that it hangs down from the ceiling over the windows. Now I can actually SEE the display. I covered the hole with a plastic plate with my name, numbers, etc. I had to scrounge marine places for a bracket from which to hang to radio and I did cut off some of the redundant ariel cable.

I have both a chart plotter and a hand-held Garmin GPS 76 from the "old" days. The 76 sits in a holder on my dash. I decided to use the 76 to send Lat/Lon signals to the VHF. I keep the old 76 around as it has around 400 waypoints and I don't like the diamonds that the chart plotters use as they clutter up the screen.

I just did a Canadian upgrade on my VHF lifetime license just to get updates on DSC and MMSI. The following points:

1. It's good to get an MMSI number and program it in.
2. In an emergency don't rely on just using MMSI for telling the world. Activate it, but immediately go to VHF 16 and do the proper Mayday/Pan Pan/Security radio calls. Main reason: probably 90% of boats don't have DSC radios. Probably 80% of sailboats don't have their VHF turned on so if you are hoping that a sailboat will assist you, try sounds or waving or flares to get his attention.
3. DSC has one great advantage: when the Coast Guard sends out a Mayday there is a warble sound from your VHF. Even if you have your volumn turned down low you will be notified by the warble that there is a Mayday. Press any button, turn up the volumn, and act as necessary. You can listen for Maydays but not have to listen to the hailing that does tend to get bothersome at times.
4. If you have a bunch of tugs travelling together and if you all have an MMSI number, you can set up a "Group". This is more like phoning that VHF hailing for establishing contact.
5. There are more unknowns than knowns about MMSI -- unless I just had a weird batch of instructors.

In Canada there is no "vessel Call Sign" for recreational boats unless you get a Maritime Mobile Radio Station Licence. They are only needed by Canadians if they travel into the US. I don't know of anyone who actually has one. It's $48 a year.

Here endeth the lesson.

Dave
 
That brings up some good points for US boaters going into international waters. United States recreational boaters under 65 feet do not need a FCC Ship Station License while in US waters to operate their VHF radio. If traveling to international waters such as Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, etc., then you must have a FCC Ship Station License in order to operate your VHF radio. The country you are visiting could fine you, etc. if you do not have a license. Many countries are very restrictive on the use/possession of radios in their countries, and do not tolerate anyone, including visitors, using a radio without proper authorization.

To obtain a MMSI number for your DSC radio, and you do not have a FCC Ship Station License, then you can obtain a free MMSI number from http://www.boatus.com/mmsi for use in US waters. It will not work in international waters. For international waters, the MMSI number must be obtained from the FCC and used with a valid FCC Ship Station License.

I understand Canada has similar laws for their recreational boaters.
 
I was told that last year The Canadians were craking down on people noy having radio licenses. Please find the info on how to how much and who needs a licence.

Summary* : Filing Instructions - Application
Description* : Filing Instructions - Application
Solution Details :
Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSI) is an international system for identifying radar stations in the Maritime Mobile Service. The system is comprised of a series of nine digits which are transmitted over the radio path to uniquely identify ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations and group stations. If you have a marine radio with DSC (Digital Select Calling) capabilities, you must obtain a nine digit MMSI number and have it programmed into the unit before you transmit.

A Marine Coast station does not need a MMSI, but if a MMSI is requested with an application, it will be issued. Vessels communicating with the site do need a MMSI number.

If the vessel requires licensing, the MMSI number will be assigned by FCC during the application/licensing process. Anyone who is required to be licensed, and already has an FCC license, needs to file a modification application through the FCC to get the MMSI number. (Vessels require a license for the following: they will be traveling internationally, have Single Sideband equipment on board, are required by law or treaty to carry equipment aboard, or will be communicating with foreign ports). If the vessel does not require a license, they may obtain a MMSI by contacting either BoatUS (www.BoatUS.com); Shine Micro, Inc (www.shinemicro.com); Sea Tow Service International Inc (www.4seatwo.com) or United States Power Squadrons, Inc (www.usps4mmsi.com). If they are voluntarily licensing and want a MMSI number, they may send their request to one of the addresses listed in Public Notice DA07-1732.

Additional Maritime information can be obtained from the website http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index. ... d=maritime.

If you have any further questions, or need additional information, please submit a request through http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm or call the ULS Customer Support Hotline at (877) 480-3201 and select option 2 after the main menu recording.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who needs a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR) and how do I obtain the permit?
Answer
Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit holders are authorized to operate most aircraft and aeronautical ground stations. They can also operate marine radiotelephone stations aboard pleasure craft (other than those carrying more than six passengers for hire on the Great Lakes or bays or tidewaters or in the open sea) when operator licensing is required.

A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is NOT needed to operate the following:

? A voluntarily equipped ship or aircraft station (including a CAP station) which operates only on VHF frequencies and does not make foreign voyages or flights.

? An aeronautical ground or coast station which operates only on VHF frequencies.

? On-board stations.

? A marine utility station unless it is taken aboard a vessel which makes a foreign voyage.

? A survival craft station when using telephony or an emergency position indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) station.

? A ship radar station, if the operating frequency is determined by a fixed tuned device and the radar is capable of being operated by only external controls.

? Shore radar, shore radiolocation, maritime support, or shore radio-navigation stations.



If you plan to dock in a foreign port (e.g., Canada or the Bahamas) or if you communicate with foreign coast or ship stations, you must have a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permits (sometimes referred to by boaters as an "individual license") in addition to your ship radio station license. However, you do not need an operator permit if the following two conditions apply:

? You merely plan to sail in domestic or international waters without docking in any foreign ports and without communicating with foreign coast stations

? And your radio operates only on VHF frequencies



The Rules that govern the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permits are 47 CFR - Part 13. The Rules can be accessed at the following website: http://wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=r ... egulations



NOTE: A ship radio station license authorizes radio equipment aboard a ship, while the restricted radiotelephone operator permit authorizes a specific person to communicate with foreign stations or use certain radio equipment (e.g., MF/HF single sideband radio or satellite radio). For more information please see the following websites http://wireless.fcc.gov/cooperator's/RP.html and http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index. ... p_stations.



Electronic Filing:

Access electronic filing via Universal Licensing System (ULS) Online Filing at the following website http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls.
Login with your FRN and password. If you do not have your password and your have previously set a Personal Security Question (PSQ), go to website http://esupport.fcc.gov/password.htm and select Reset Password. Enter your FRN and answer the PSQ which will allow you to reset your password. If you have not set the PSQ go to web site http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm and submit a reset password form or call (877) 480-3201 for assistance.
On the My License page click the Apply for a New License link.
Choose RR ? Restricted Operator. Click Continue.
Answer the Applicant, Licensee and Employment Information pages, clicking continue to navigate through each page.
The Summary page will allow you to review and edit your application. Click Continue to Certify.
Review the certification statements and sign your application by typing you name in the appropriate box.
Submit your application. We recommend that you print a copy of the Application Confirmation page which includes the application file number.
If any application fees are due, ULS will calculate those fees. Fees for online filing MUST be received within 10 calendar days of the filing. Click Continue For Payment Options button to make selection of Pay By Credit Card or View Form 159. FCC highly recommends online electronic payment, by credit card, using our secure website. If you are paying manually using FCC Form 159 (Remittance Advice), send the application package to: Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 979097, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000. Hand or courier delivery only to: U.S. Bank, Attn: FCC Government Lockbox #979097, SL-MO-C2-GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.
Filing a Paper Form:

To complete a manual application filing use FCC Form 605 (Main Form and Schedule E) and FCC Form 159. Forms can be obtained from the following website http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html. The entire application package should be sent to: Federal Communications Commission, P. O. Box 979097, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.



If you have any further questions, or need additional information, please submit a request through http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm or call the ULS Customer Support Hotline at (877) 480-3201 and select option 2 after the main menu recording.










**Please do not reply back to this message. The e-mail address is configured for outgoing e-mail only.**
 
I heard that the Canadians are craking down on people with out radio licences. I have just gone through the process of getting one.

The following is the facts on how to,how much and who needs one.

Summary* : Filing Instructions - Application
Description* : Filing Instructions - Application
Solution Details :
Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSI) is an international system for identifying radar stations in the Maritime Mobile Service. The system is comprised of a series of nine digits which are transmitted over the radio path to uniquely identify ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations and group stations. If you have a marine radio with DSC (Digital Select Calling) capabilities, you must obtain a nine digit MMSI number and have it programmed into the unit before you transmit.

A Marine Coast station does not need a MMSI, but if a MMSI is requested with an application, it will be issued. Vessels communicating with the site do need a MMSI number.

If the vessel requires licensing, the MMSI number will be assigned by FCC during the application/licensing process. Anyone who is required to be licensed, and already has an FCC license, needs to file a modification application through the FCC to get the MMSI number. (Vessels require a license for the following: they will be traveling internationally, have Single Sideband equipment on board, are required by law or treaty to carry equipment aboard, or will be communicating with foreign ports). If the vessel does not require a license, they may obtain a MMSI by contacting either BoatUS (www.BoatUS.com); Shine Micro, Inc (www.shinemicro.com); Sea Tow Service International Inc (www.4seatwo.com) or United States Power Squadrons, Inc (www.usps4mmsi.com). If they are voluntarily licensing and want a MMSI number, they may send their request to one of the addresses listed in Public Notice DA07-1732.

Additional Maritime information can be obtained from the website http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index. ... d=maritime.

If you have any further questions, or need additional information, please submit a request through http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm or call the ULS Customer Support Hotline at (877) 480-3201 and select option 2 after the main menu recording.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who needs a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR) and how do I obtain the permit?
Answer
Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit holders are authorized to operate most aircraft and aeronautical ground stations. They can also operate marine radiotelephone stations aboard pleasure craft (other than those carrying more than six passengers for hire on the Great Lakes or bays or tidewaters or in the open sea) when operator licensing is required.

A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is NOT needed to operate the following:

? A voluntarily equipped ship or aircraft station (including a CAP station) which operates only on VHF frequencies and does not make foreign voyages or flights.

? An aeronautical ground or coast station which operates only on VHF frequencies.

? On-board stations.

? A marine utility station unless it is taken aboard a vessel which makes a foreign voyage.

? A survival craft station when using telephony or an emergency position indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) station.

? A ship radar station, if the operating frequency is determined by a fixed tuned device and the radar is capable of being operated by only external controls.

? Shore radar, shore radiolocation, maritime support, or shore radio-navigation stations.



If you plan to dock in a foreign port (e.g., Canada or the Bahamas) or if you communicate with foreign coast or ship stations, you must have a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permits (sometimes referred to by boaters as an "individual license") in addition to your ship radio station license. However, you do not need an operator permit if the following two conditions apply:

? You merely plan to sail in domestic or international waters without docking in any foreign ports and without communicating with foreign coast stations

? And your radio operates only on VHF frequencies



The Rules that govern the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permits are 47 CFR - Part 13. The Rules can be accessed at the following website: http://wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=r ... egulations



NOTE: A ship radio station license authorizes radio equipment aboard a ship, while the restricted radiotelephone operator permit authorizes a specific person to communicate with foreign stations or use certain radio equipment (e.g., MF/HF single sideband radio or satellite radio). For more information please see the following websites http://wireless.fcc.gov/cooperator's/RP.html and http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index. ... p_stations.



Electronic Filing:

Access electronic filing via Universal Licensing System (ULS) Online Filing at the following website http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls.
Login with your FRN and password. If you do not have your password and your have previously set a Personal Security Question (PSQ), go to website http://esupport.fcc.gov/password.htm and select Reset Password. Enter your FRN and answer the PSQ which will allow you to reset your password. If you have not set the PSQ go to web site http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm and submit a reset password form or call (877) 480-3201 for assistance.
On the My License page click the Apply for a New License link.
Choose RR ? Restricted Operator. Click Continue.
Answer the Applicant, Licensee and Employment Information pages, clicking continue to navigate through each page.
The Summary page will allow you to review and edit your application. Click Continue to Certify.
Review the certification statements and sign your application by typing you name in the appropriate box.
Submit your application. We recommend that you print a copy of the Application Confirmation page which includes the application file number.
If any application fees are due, ULS will calculate those fees. Fees for online filing MUST be received within 10 calendar days of the filing. Click Continue For Payment Options button to make selection of Pay By Credit Card or View Form 159. FCC highly recommends online electronic payment, by credit card, using our secure website. If you are paying manually using FCC Form 159 (Remittance Advice), send the application package to: Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 979097, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000. Hand or courier delivery only to: U.S. Bank, Attn: FCC Government Lockbox #979097, SL-MO-C2-GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.
Filing a Paper Form:

To complete a manual application filing use FCC Form 605 (Main Form and Schedule E) and FCC Form 159. Forms can be obtained from the following website http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html. The entire application package should be sent to: Federal Communications Commission, P. O. Box 979097, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.



If you have any further questions, or need additional information, please submit a request through http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm or call the ULS Customer Support Hotline at (877) 480-3201 and select option 2 after the main menu recording.










**Please do not reply back to this message. The e-mail address is configured for outgoing e-mail only.**
 
Okay, Pam and I have applied for our station license as well as our restricted operator licenses. These applications were done online on Nov 3rd. I looked the licenses up today on the FCC site and see that the applications were granted AND licenses issued on Nov 4th. I can get the MMSI info, etc just fine from what I found on the FCC site.

My question is, how LONG does it take the FCC to actually MAIL the official licenses? We have yet to receive anything from the FCC in the mail.

Thanks much.
Gene R
Wolf Pack
 
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