VHF MMSI Number Question

[Rick D]

I had a JRC VHF radio below decks as a back up and convenience item. Anyhow, the mike cord on it began to unravel badly and delaminate. The radio is no longer serviced in the US and the cost to open it up was more than the cost of replacing it. Anyhow, since it still worked, I was going to put it on ebay until I realized my MMSI number is in it. I would not want to sell it with it, and I recall that there are only two tries to enter one in before it locks up, so I can't put all zeros in for example. So, I guess I'll just toss it, but figured I'd test my thought here first. Agree?

 

[Brian M H23]

Perhaps list on the auction that you will have to pre-program the radio for them with their MMSI number if they want it to function. Sure, it might lower the potential bidder pool, but you'll get something for it.

 

[Brian M H23]

Perhaps list on the auction that you will have to pre-program the radio for them with their MMSI number if they want it to function. Sure, it might lower the potential bidder pool, but you'll get something for it.

 

[caguy]

The following information came from the Boat US MMSI site.
Depending on the make and model of your DSC radio, it may limit the number of times you can try to program your MMSI number into the radio. If you try to enter an MMSI number too many times, the radio may lock out future attempts, forcing you to send the unit to the manufacturer to re-program the MMSI number. Typically the radios offer you two (2) opportunities to program your MMSI number, but be sure to read the owner’s manual regarding your specific model. Please be careful when initially programming your newly assigned MMSI number.

I just got my number and if I remember the MMSI number can be cancelled at the Boat US site. If you sell your boat or radio.

I have to go back into my MMSI profile and add information about my radio. I will see if I can find that information there.

http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/about.htm

 

[caguy]

Here is another warning I received with my new number emailed to me.

WARNING
If you sell or trade this boat and radio with the above number programmed into it, please be sure to cancel this account to make the number available to the new buyer.

Do not use the above number with a new boat & radio as it is still tied to the one you have sold! Instead, you will need to register for a new MMSI number for the new radio.

Hope this helps.

 

[caguy]

Rick since you've been there already I need to enter additional information from my radio into the profile. They are asking for the ''Epirb Identification code''. Where do I find this information. On the radio I only found the following numbers: FCC ID: AMWUT621 and IC513-UT621D. Is it either of those numbers?

 

[Rick D]

No, the EPIRB number would only be entered if you owned a stand-alone emergency beacon. Hope you had a great time at the Isthmus. A couple of us were in Cat. It was full for the first time this year.

 

[windward54]

I just got my number and if I remember the MMSI number can be cancelled at the Boat US site. If you sell your boat or radio.

The MMSI number is boat and owner specific and is not specific to a radio. If you have a MMSI issued from the FCC, you shouldn't cancel the number unless you sell the boat with the radio. Best to sell the radio and offer to reprogram the new MMSI for the new owner of the radio.

 

[caguy]

The MMSI number is boat and owner specific and is not specific to a radio. If you have a MMSI issued from the FCC, you shouldn't cancel the number unless you sell the boat with the radio. Best to sell the radio and offer to reprogram the new MMSI for the new owner of the radio.

Windward, I noticed last night that you can go in and edit all of the information for that mmsi number. Name, contact numbers, boat numbers etc. If he did that for the new owner the radio would not have to be reprogrammed. He needs to establish a new mmsi for his new radio anyway.

Rick, trip to the isthmus is this weekend. Thanks for asking.
Frank

 

[Rick D]

Don't think it's worth it to sell the old JRC. Anyhow, the new radio is programmed with the same number since it is boat & owner specific, not VHF specific. For example, if I replace my main helm VHF, I would use the same number.

 

[windward54]

Windward, I noticed last night that you can go in and edit all of the information for that mmsi number. Name, contact numbers, boat numbers etc. If he did that for the new owner the radio would not have to be reprogrammed. He needs to establish a new mmsi for his new radio anyway.

Rick, trip to the isthmus is this weekend. Thanks for asking.
Frank

You can do that with MMSI's issued by Boat/US however not with numbers issued by the FCC. My number, and I think Rick's number as well since he has a radio callsign are issued to the boat and owner and stay with that boat until an ownership change. The numbers issued by BoatUS are only good in U.S. waters and are not supposed to be used if traveling internationally. Those MMSI numbers get issued by the FCC and can't be changed.

Another two reasons for not changing your BoatUS MMSI number is you would have to change all numbers on any second radio on board. Some boat owners have a backup radio on board, one below and one at the helm. And some boaters use the call function on the radio with friends. Everyone's list would also have to be changed.

 

[caguy]

That's a good point Karl.

 

[rpwillia]

Can you just reset the unit to factory default?

On my Standard Horizon there is a feature to set the radio back to factory default. Check your manual or just play with the menu a bit.

 

[Chuckbear]

On my Standard Horizon there is a feature to set the radio back to factory default. Check your manual or just play with the menu a bit.

Factory resets do not affect the programmed MMSI numbers. This function is only for radio features. Chuck