changing that AIS boat name
- Thread starter JasonFromJersey
- Start date
I've done all that, but on chartplotters it still shows the old boat name. I think I need to reprogram the AIS transponder.
look up your MMSI here: License Search - Ship License Search
drill into Call Sign...what shows up under Ship Name?
drill into Call Sign...what shows up under Ship Name?
That is inaccurate. I have had two USCG documented vessels, MMSIs associated with both, and both were administered by Boat US.
"BoatUS has been authorized by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Coast Guard to assign MMSI numbers only to vessels that meet the following criteria:
- Used for recreation only
- Not required by law to carry a radio
- Do not communicate with or visit foreign ports (i.e. Canada, Bahamas, Mexico & the Caribbean)
BoatUS - MMSI Registration - Registration Criteria
This is also inaccurate. While there is a name associated with a vessel in the MMSI database, the AIS system does not access that database to display vessel names. The name comes form the AIS transponder. The installer or vessel owner or crew can access the configuration of the AIS transponder and change the vessel name and other data, such as "Vessel’s Type, Vessel’s Dimensions, IMO number, Relative position of the AIS unit, the Destination, ETA and Draught."
Here's the configuration screen for my AIS transponder, the vesper XB8000:
Here's a relevant page from Marintraffic.com:
Vessel details that can be changed in AIS transponders
Which transponder do you have?
You can change it in the transponder. You should also update it with the USCG NVDC if it's a documented vessel.
That is only valid for searches of FCC station licenses. If you don't have an FCC station license, your search will turn up empty, regardless of whether you have an MMSI.
It's really not that complicated for US recreational users: you just go to BoatUS, create an account, apply for an MMSI, and you're done. You can even get an additional one, transfer one, delete one.
The only complication that I wish was simplified, or even made automatic, is that there's a difference between the BoatUS and FCC MMSIs. This is an issue if you venture into foreign waters.
I already had the prior owner contact BoatUS and release the MMSI and it is now assigned to me. At the BoatUS site, it has my name and the new boat name. It is a documented vessel, and given that BoatUS has it all correct, I suspect the problem lies with the transducer broadcasting the old boat name.
I have the SIMRAD NAIS-400 Class B transciever. All help appreciated.
Hey, it looks like if I can find the damn NAIS 400 unit, I can reconfigure it thru a USB cable with some software called proAIS that SIMRAD recommends. If it works, I'll post it here.
You can reprogram the vessel name using the ProAIS2 tool that runs on Windows or Mac OS, and connects to the unit via USB.
It is pretty easy. The only thing I'd add is that if you sell your equipment, be sure to wipe (or have wiped) the MMSI number. Otherwise, the new owner will still be broadcasting under the number that it tied to you and your vessel--assuming the new owner does get it changed, which he/she might not.
When I upgraded my Standard-Horizon GX1700 to a GX2200, I needed to take it in to Yaesu (who makes Standard Horizon) and have a tech wipe it because that model of radio is not user-modifiable. Other radios and equipment may be (such as the AIS transponder under discussion here). Either way, you want to be sure to take that step when decommissioning a pieces of equipment that you will no loner be using on your boat.
Yes, Alan, what I have done is transfer the MMSI to the new owner when I sold the old boat, and had the seller of my boat transfer the MMSI to me. You can also delete an MMSI.
I stand corrected, but still confused. For for MMSI tied to radio license issued to a person, not a vessel, does that mean to correctly change vessel name with an ownership change, that the transponder will have to be reprogrammed with a new MMSI issued to the new owner to separate it from the old MMSI associated with the old owner?
No, the MMSI is associated with a station, i.e., vessel, not operator. MMSIs can be transferred, so if you sell the vessel with radios, etc., that have MMSIs programmed, you can transfer the MMSI.
I figured it out. If you not sailing in international waters, your MMSI assignment can be managed by BoatUS. When the AIS trasponder transmits, it sends information that is programmed into it. For the SIMRAD NAIS 400, is was quite simple. Download proAIS2 from DigitalYatch and install it on your computer. Connect your computer to the NAIS unit with a USB/microUSB wire and open the software. You can reconfigure everything from there. Phew. One down, 3 to go.