Has anybody gotten an MMSI number?

[kthrash]

so after installing my GPS and VHF with DSC capabilities, I realized I need to get a MMSI number. Is the free one from boatus good enough to use in the Bahamas? Or do I need to register with the FCC and get a world wide one??

 

[Julian]

According to the BoatUS FAQ:

A: 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.​

 

[kthrash]

So in order to use it in the Bahamas I need a FCC issued one...

 

[Julian]

Not necessarily....

Since the Bahamas are so close to the US, and are heavily patrolled by the US Coastguard, I think you'd probably be just fine. You wouldn't be in the International Search and Rescue DB....but I doubt that makes a lot of difference in the bahamas.

@PedalPirate might be able to fill us in with more exacting details as, if I recall correctly, he is in the Coastguard....

 

[kthrash]

I'm probably going to just get an intl number, in case I get a wild hair and decide to take it further into the Caribbean one summer.

 

[Bruce]

I am using a BoatUS MMSI. If I make a DSC in the Bahamas they will not have info on the type of boat but they will receive my location and need for help. If I was planning to make a round the world trip I would want a FCC MMSI, a bigger boat, a bigger radio and an EPIRB.

 

[tdonoughue]

I have the BoatUS one (see sig). Of course, on my freshwater craft, I don't have to worry about Bahama trips.

Yet.

 

[Bruce]

I have the BoatUS one (see sig). Of course, on my freshwater craft, I don't have to worry about Bahama trips.

Yet.

You know you want to!

 

[sysinu]

As everyone else, my MMSI is through BoatUS. But I live landlocked and don't think my boat will ever make it to a coastal water.

 

[kthrash]

I waded my way throught the FCC website to get a Intl MMSI number and got to the end, the cost was $215, I said screw it and got a BoatUS MMSI number.. 338186073

 

[PedalPirate]

You'll be fine with the number from Boat US. The VHF towers will pick up your information in the Bahamas. Just a word of caution: follow the instructions to test the DSC, please don't hit the button to see if it works. A lot of effort goes into validating there is no distress when someone accidently hits the button (most common when cleaning the boat) or people testing to see if it works. I can't tell you how many times we've triangulated a DSC signal 20 miles inland because someone hit the button accidently. Furthermore, make sure you register the number: If the number isn't registered, all that shows up is a Lat/Long with no description or contact info to validate (imagine searching for a DSC signal in an area with 200+ boats and no description).

 

[kthrash]

@PedalPirate, how do you register the MMSI number? I thought that happened when they registered it for me.. you got anyway to check it??

 

[tdonoughue]

Yes, I believe that is what he is talking about. Registering gets you the number. You shouldn't just make one up. Then keep the registration updated with your current info.

 

[PedalPirate]

Try this link: https://www.boatus.com/mmsi/faq.asp
It should answer your question. and it also tells you how to test the DSC by entering the test code and transmitting to Rescue 21. Good Luck!

Matt

 

[tdonoughue]

Hey, @Administrative ... I have a question, please:

If we wanted to collect a directory of MMSI numbers for the members, what would be the best way to do that? Yes, we could have everyone announce it on a thread like this, but that is difficult to print out and take to the boat. Excel sheet? Or is there some board function that could put that in the profile and then we could print a report of them? Or something else?

Optimally everyone who wants to be listed could then populate whatever it is with his/her own number.

Thoughts? And thanks.

 

[Julian]

We have looked at an enhanced user search before....not implemented it yet....but if we created a custom field for this and then allowed members to search/filter for non-blank...it should produce a list of those who have a number. That said....it is probably a very low # at this point.

 

[Bruce]

@Julian, what do you think about adding MMSI to the user profile? Then you could look at a users profile to find their MMSI. I could periodically extract the MMSI profile entries and export them to a spreadsheet.

 

[Julian]

Fine with me.

 

[2nazt]

Reviving an old thread but BoatUS charges for MMSI if not a member. (25 dollars) You can sign up through SeaTow also. I need my registration for the new boat to come in to finalize the process though. I am a SeaTow member but I think it is free at least for members. Once I finish I will edit to confirm if it is free or not.