Hi folks, in looking at another post the subject of DSC radios came up. There is a very good article in Southwinds magazine this month that dicusses the ins and out of applying for your Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number! Specifically it talks about the fact that you can get a number from the FCC, Boats US or Sea-Tow. It says that if you get it from other than the FCC and travel in international waters and use the DSC feature, that that country is not obligated to check anything but a number in the FCC database. (And no I am not dissing Sea-Tow or Boats US, just passing on info some folks may need to know.) For what it's worth. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
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Huh?
Are you saying that BUS does not upload their MMS numbers to the FCC? That may be true for some strange reason, but it sure doesn't make sense that, even in the US, the CG would have to access multiple data bases. And, unless they just unloaded a block of numbers to BUS, it would seem there would have to be some assigning coordination. But, what do I know? I guess stranger things have happened. How about someone making a call to BUS to double check (I'm out of pocket for a while)? Anyhow, thanks for passing on the info. Rick D.
Are you saying that BUS does not upload their MMS numbers to the FCC? That may be true for some strange reason, but it sure doesn't make sense that, even in the US, the CG would have to access multiple data bases. And, unless they just unloaded a block of numbers to BUS, it would seem there would have to be some assigning coordination. But, what do I know? I guess stranger things have happened. How about someone making a call to BUS to double check (I'm out of pocket for a while)? Anyhow, thanks for passing on the info. Rick D.
Very interesting -
Good info - nice catch. Though I think we all need to understand if you did trigger your DSC Emergency VHF call (Ch70) you would still be heard by the international authorities (and others with a DSC VHF). What wouldn't be available to the international authority would be information on your specifics (You boat type, Skipper Name and Address, who to contact in an emergency, etc) Here is BoatUS explaination http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/instruct.htm I wonder why they just don't link the two, but its important to know that registering with Boat US is only for those boats that "voluntarily" carry a VHF (most recreational boaters). Vessels "required" to carry a radio on board (Commercial boaters) are "compulsory equipped" and therefore FCC licensed and should obtain an MMSI from the FCC Here is a great link explaining MMSI numbers (and identifying them). http://www.marinecomputer.com/articles/mmsi/mmsi.html#federal Remember you can opt to get a direct FCC MMSII number later if need be, but its going to cost you ($300+?) or maybe even more money to register. One nice thing about the BOAT US MSSI is registration is that it is FREE
Good info - nice catch. Though I think we all need to understand if you did trigger your DSC Emergency VHF call (Ch70) you would still be heard by the international authorities (and others with a DSC VHF). What wouldn't be available to the international authority would be information on your specifics (You boat type, Skipper Name and Address, who to contact in an emergency, etc) Here is BoatUS explaination http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/instruct.htm I wonder why they just don't link the two, but its important to know that registering with Boat US is only for those boats that "voluntarily" carry a VHF (most recreational boaters). Vessels "required" to carry a radio on board (Commercial boaters) are "compulsory equipped" and therefore FCC licensed and should obtain an MMSI from the FCC Here is a great link explaining MMSI numbers (and identifying them). http://www.marinecomputer.com/articles/mmsi/mmsi.html#federal Remember you can opt to get a direct FCC MMSII number later if need be, but its going to cost you ($300+?) or maybe even more money to register. One nice thing about the BOAT US MSSI is registration is that it is FREE
Just got a couple of FCC licenses.....
.. this week. Ships Station and Restricted Operators. The FCC would not accept my MMSI numbers obtained through BoatUS. The web site came back as "Not a valid MMSI number" or words to that effect. Tom may have it right with the Voluntary vs Required deliniation Jeff
.. this week. Ships Station and Restricted Operators. The FCC would not accept my MMSI numbers obtained through BoatUS. The web site came back as "Not a valid MMSI number" or words to that effect. Tom may have it right with the Voluntary vs Required deliniation Jeff
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