Dodgy Operators

SeaSkills · 04 February 2008, 18:18

MCA has a database of coded boats at http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-su...l_database.htm

Don't know how up to date it is, but you could start there.

hobbit555 · 04 February 2008, 21:50

what you know of one? or do you want to be introduced to one?

Jon Brooks · 12 February 2008, 07:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

MCA has a database of coded boats at http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-su...l_database.htm

Don't know how up to date it is, but you could start there.

Hi Ian,

Would have to say not very up to date.
Ramsgate shows only one coded vessel and its not mine

Cheers

Searider · 27 February 2008, 20:52

Jon,

I think that to be on the database of coded boats you have to request to be on it - the MCA don't automatically put you on it.

Jon Brooks · 28 February 2008, 22:35

So am guessing there is no full list on the net then?

Searider · 29 February 2008, 08:55

Don't think so.

SeaSkills · 29 February 2008, 16:15

The MCA list is the most complete one I've found, and as you can see, it';s sh*te.

Jon, I haven't treied this, but how about a search on MARS database for 235xxxxxx MMSIs. Would that give a sort of workable list from a different perspective?

Jon Brooks · 29 February 2008, 20:06

good idea but MARS does not indicate if the vessel is coded

Cheers

SeaSkills · 29 February 2008, 21:10

Indeed, but my understanding is that Ofcom generally issue MMSIs with a 235 prefix , in preference to 232, 3 or 4, where they know the boat is commercial. I've never tested that, but it does apply to all the boats that I've had coded. It probably isn't a great match, but might give more than the MCA database. Just a thought.

Searider · 29 February 2008, 21:10

There are about 5000 coded boats - but only about 50 on the MCA website database!

The Grocer · 01 March 2008, 08:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

Indeed, but my understanding is that Ofcom generally issue MMSIs with a 235 prefix , in preference to 232, 3 or 4, where they know the boat is commercial. I've never tested that, but it does apply to all the boats that I've had coded. It probably isn't a great match, but might give more than the MCA database. Just a thought.

They must have the gift of foresight then...

<-------

(Cowal started out as purely private, but has just been coded. The MMSI has not been changed - IIRC the number stays with the equpiment/vessel for "life".)

SeaSkills · 01 March 2008, 17:09

Exactly. If there is an existing MMSI it will stay with the boat. If you were coding a new boat (or adding a DSC radio to a coded boat) our experience has been that you would be likely to get a MMSI starting 235. I've never said it's an exact science, just an indication and it may be an alternative way to identify commercial boats.

hobbit555 · 02 March 2008, 08:31

232 is a land based MMSI number in the UK ie Ports and coastguard stations
235 is vessel registered in UK Other countries have their own numbers both shore based and vessel
it is like an area code for phones

Doug Stormforce · 04 March 2008, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobbit555

232 is a land based MMSI number in the UK ie Ports and coastguard stations
235 is vessel registered in UK Other countries have their own numbers both shore based and vessel
it is like an area code for phones

I think you will find that 232 is in fact reserved for UK vessels, as is 233, 234, 235. Shore stations start 00 regradless of nationality and are then folliowed by the three digit country code.

If you have observed that all coded boats you are on are 235 then this is more than likley as they are all small craft.

hobbit555 · 04 March 2008, 17:43

sorry yes i forgot the 00 prefix then 232 for a uk shore station.

All uk "merchant" vessels both large and small have 235 Prefix

I believe that government service vessels have a different number

Doug Stormforce · 05 March 2008, 09:07

OK maybe

But I have seen leisure vessels that are 235 and Im pretty sure Ive seen commercial vessesl prefixed 232, will check on the AIS when Im next out

BR

ashbypower · 05 March 2008, 09:43

Doug, Check out "New dawn diver" on MARS. Shes commercial with a 232 prefix

speedy · 13 March 2008, 14:18

I operate in category C waters and don't go to sea with our boats, there is no need as we have a huge operating area.

I recently had a visit from the coastguard agency and an inspection. This was our first ever impromtu inspection and he issued an inspection sheet for each boat with a pass on each boat which i was rather delighted about.

I was chatting to him about boats that don't go to sea and he was saying that there is a new scheme under way for cat A B and C waters.

It is a fit for purpose scheme has anyone heard anything about it?

SeaSkills · 13 March 2008, 22:02

I wonder whether he's just referring to the proposed changes ("clarification") to the new Boatmaster scheme for inland and categorised waters?

Congrats on the passes though! What sort of things are they checking, and how nasty is the inspection process??