New Name / MMSI Issue

[FlyMeAway]

FCC issues MMSI numbers with the purchase of a station license. Former owner canceling the station license releases the MMSI#. Provide the new buyer with the MMSI#. When the new buyer applies for an FCC station license the form will ask if the boat already has an MMSI#. New buyer enters the # and submits their application. The number never leaves the boat.

Cheers,

Bruce

Yes this is what I was told.

This will cost the new buyer $$$. Transferring the station license basically gives them the remainder on the license without them paying $$$ for a new one (transfers are free).

 

[BB marine]

This will cost the new buyer $$$. Transferring the station license basically gives them the remainder on the license without them paying $$$ for a new one (transfers are free).

Good to know. Did you do this with success? The license retained the MMSI # and you were able to put all new information as to owner of the boat, boats calling name and port? Sounds like the way to do it!


I spoke with a representative and told him I wanted the new owner to be able to use the MMSI number that was in the radio. He never said transfer the License. He told me to release the MMSI number and have the new owner apply I for the MMSI and request the number.

I found this in the FCC site.

Assigning or Transferring a Ship Station License

Subject to the FCC's advance approval, you may assign a Ship Station License (as when you are selling a vessel) or transfer control of a Ship Station License (as when there is a change in the ownership of the licensee or its parent company). To obtain the FCC's approval for the assignment or transfer of control, you must electronically file FCC Form 603 via ULS. There is no fee required. After the transaction is consummated, the assignee/transferee must file a notification of consummation through ULS. The notification of consummation must be filed within thirty (30) days of the actual consummation. (It must also be filed within six months after the FCC gives public notice of its consent to the application.)Even though a station license may no longer be required, you must continue to follow the operating procedures for calling other stations, maintaining a safety watch, and relaying distress messages as specified in the FCC Rules. You may identify your ship station over the air using your FCC-issued call sign, maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), the state registration number or official number of your ship, or the name of your ship.

 

[FlyMeAway]

This will cost the new buyer $$$. Transferring the station license basically gives them the remainder on the license without them paying $$$ for a new one (transfers are free).

Good to know. Did you do this with success? The license retained the MMSI # and you were able to put all new information as to owner of the boat, boats calling name and port? Sounds like the way to do it!

I did not do this but I know others who have (and you can find people talking about it on general boating forums like CruisersForum and HullTruth). I offered it to the buyer of my last boat but she never followed up and I just cancelled the license to release the MMSI.

 

[MV Toujours]

Greetings all,
I went and got a certificate of MMSI fron BoatUS for my tug. I am the second owner and have renamed the boat and now reading the certificate I will have to get the vhf to an authorized dealer to get the radio reprogrammed apparently. Is this the only way to get this done? And if that is the case how do I remove a garmin vhf 200 from my 25SC? I didn’t see any clips on the back.

I agree with everyone about getting your MMSI from the FCC if you plan to trailer up north. The radio should be easy enough to remove and take to Portland Marine Electronics. Talk to Guy or Alan and they can walk you through removal. They do excellent work.

I'm moored at Jantzen Bay Marina and cruise by your house all the time in my blue 31CB. You have a very nice setup... the best of both worlds.

Patrick

 

[FlyMeAway]

If you trailer north to Canada, also do not forget to get a Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Permit. It's good for life and does not require a test. But the Canadians can fine you if they want, and you don't have one (though anecdotally, I've heard this only happens if you get into other trouble in Canada -- like get in an accident, violate fishing rules, etc.)