MMSI Number

[Biggles]

I sold my last boat and it was fitted with a DSC radio. The radio went with the boat and its got my MMSI programmed into it.

My new boat has no MMSI input yet. Do I go ahead and put my old MMSI in or should I try and get another one from the Licensing authority.

Anybody know ?

[ashbypower]

Biggs
The MMSI is not personal it is issued to the boat, therfore just apply for a new licence if it is not already licenced and request a MMSI you'll be issued a callsign (Something like MGYG6) and MMSI for the boat.

Brian

[Biggles]

Cheers I'll phone them during the week.

[DJL]

You can apply online here: http://www.radiolicenceforms.co.uk/S...ationNotes.asp

[Biggles]

DJL,

Thanks I'll phone them first though.

[DJL]

Biggles,

Not sure what you’re going to ask them. If you've sold your old boat the licensee you held is now null and void. The new owner has to apply from scratch just like you do with your new boat.

A new boat will get a new MMSI and Call Sign when first registered - the boat then keeps the MMSI/Call Sign until it’s scrapped.

When you apply for a license for a second hand boat you give them the details of the previous owner and they attempt to give you the MMSI/Call Sign that the boat was initially allocated (assuming it was ever registered)

[Solent Ranger]

Originally Posted by DJL

When you apply for a license for a second hand boat you give them the details of the previous owner and they attempt to give you the MMSI/Call Sign that the boat was initially allocated (assuming it was ever registered)

There is a way you can check if a boat has been previously licenced. The ITU/MARS database holds all the records world wide. You can either enter the owners name, the name of the vessel or it's call sign. UK registered vessels are shown as "G"

ITU/MARS database . Click on the "Particulars of Ships Stations link

[Biggles]

Originally Posted by Biggles

DJL,

Thanks I'll phone them first though.

Phoned today and got told to apply on line.

Went to apply online and after entering exactly the same details as I did for my previous registration they wanted £20.

Seeing as it was only renewed in June, I am seriously considering keeping the old MMSI.

And I couldn't see any way of cancelling my old MMSI details. IE home address and NOK. So if the other guy uses my old radio and doesn't re register it my wife will get the phone call.

Suppose I'll ring them again tomorrow. hope I get some one more switched on to speak to.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Biggles

Phoned today and got told to apply on line.

Went to apply online and after entering exactly the same details as I did for my previous registration they wanted £20.

Seeing as it was only renewed in June, I am seriously considering keeping the old MMSI.

And I couldn't see any way of cancelling my old MMSI details. IE home address and NOK. So if the other guy uses my old radio and doesn't re register it my wife will get the phone call.

Suppose I'll ring them again tomorrow. hope I get some one more switched on to speak to.

Nick, you can't keep your old MMSI because it wasn't yours - it was in effect leased by you, for your Rib. If you put the same MMSI in your new radio, you get exactly the same problem as you just mentioned - either your wife will still get the new chaps phone calls, or his emergency contact will get yours!

The point is that you don't get a personal MMSI, you buy a ships radio license, for each ship. You have a new ship, so you need a new license!

Bear in mind that after a consultation period, there will be no charge for any licenses applied for online after the 1st October. It will still be £15 to apply by phone or by post.

You have 2 options:

1) Fork out for a new radio license now, at a cost of £20. Get your new rib an MMSI number, and Callsign (assuming it doesn't already have one? Ask Robin or Richard if they had it licensed, and if so under what name, as you will need to tell Ofcom that so they can transfer the license to you)

2) Don't buy a VHF license. Run the risk of a hefty fine from the MCA. Operate your set in effect illegally, but without the £20 cost. Don't put any mmsi in, as there isn't one registered to your boat - rendering your DSC functions useless, including in for distress use. Likelihood of you getting caught - hard to say.

I know which one I'd go for. Please don't put the MMSI you had in your Searider into your new boat - I've had the coastguard call me when Greyhounds stolen DSC set was sending out alerts, and believe me, you don't want the hassle from getting calls meant for the purchaser of your searider, nor do you want him to be getting the ones meant for you!

[Biggles]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I know which one I'd go for. Please don't put the MMSI you had in your Searider into your new boat - I've had the coastguard call me when Greyhounds stolen DSC set was sending out alerts, and believe me, you don't want the hassle from getting calls meant for the purchaser of your searider, nor do you want him to be getting the ones meant for you!

I agree. It just doesn't seem a very easy system to transfer. I guess if I only had a couple of months left on the licence I wouldn't feel to bad at forking out another £20.

I'm going to phone them tomorrow and see what they say.

They are re-issuing licences anyway so wouldn't be hard to issue a new MMSI.

I just can't help thinking the system needs a little bit of improvement. Whilst I'm going through all this rigmarole of getting a new MMSI either I or the owner of my old boat could have a problem at sea and all our details are wrong.

I'll keep you posted. I had a feeling this wasn't going to be easy.

Why doesn't every VHF radio come with its own MMSI and then we can inform Ofcom of our own details. Just a thought.