Why cant I get an MMSI number ?

[Trimix]

Ive got my certificate for VHF, Ive got a radio and Im now on Ofcoms website. But I cant seem to figure out how to get it to give me an MMSI number.

Whoever designed their website has never spoken to a customer or tried to use it. Ive registered, got an email telling me Ive registered, logged on and still cant find a bloody button to press to get a dam number.

It seems to keep directing me to apply for a licence ? Is that what I need ? Dont I just need an MMSI number ?

Bloody government websites - they clearly dont see users as customers.

(or Im thick, which is also just as likely)

[ashbypower]

If you have done your operators course then yopur instructor should have covered this !!!
FYI you DO NEED a licence a DSC one, and your MMSI will be on the PDF document..

[Trimix]

My instructor probably did tell me, but Im old enough to forget more than Ive rememberd now

[whackywoody]

You could just make up your MMSI like I did and it would be unique to the UK like mine. I now have to get the unit sent back to the manufacturer to get the MMSI reset at my expense

[Trimix]

Ha ha, thats funny.

Right, Im filling in the online form and its asking me for my Vessel Gross Tonnage. Well it probably weights about 1500-1600 kgs. But on the form it suggests I can estimate it by length x width x height / 4. But that would be about 9.5 tons - which it isnt.

Mmm, I will just put 1.5 then.

[riggers]

same here I have just received my certificate in the post this morning, it contained the licence and nothing else .
so how do you obtain one ?

[Trimix]

Eh ? Dont say that, Im filling the online stuff and hope to get one !

[Trimix]

Ive got to the bit where you tell them what equipment you have on the boat, so Ive said VHF DSC fixed radio, so perhaps that will give me a number ?...............................

Ha, it has: 235102645

Result

[Trimix]

Mmm, but now I have to put it in my radio.

Better get that bit right.

[riggers]

sorted
I have the mmsi number and call sign ,input into vhf tomm ,very carefully app you only get one go at it

[ShinyShoe]

Originally Posted by Trimix

Ha ha, thats funny.
Right, Im filling in the online form and its asking me for my Vessel Gross Tonnage. Well it probably weights about 1500-1600 kgs. But on the form it suggests I can estimate it by length x width x height / 4. But that would be about 9.5 tons - which it isnt.
.

Suspect thats not exactly the most relevant field. Anyway VGT doesn't refer to the mass of the boat. It really refers to carrying capacity... Not the CE marked quantity but how many tonnes of cargo could the hull transport. Wouldn't worry about what you fill in here.

Originally Posted by riggers

same here I have just received my certificate in the post this morning, it contained the licence and nothing else .
so how do you obtain one ?

Guess you didn't tick the DSC VHF button. You should be able to modify the licence on-line on their website and it should give you a PDF version there and then AFAIK.

Originally Posted by whackywoody

You could just make up your MMSI like I did and it would be unique to the UK like mine. I now have to get the unit sent back to the manufacturer to get the MMSI reset at my expense

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Trimix

Ha ha, thats funny.

Right, Im filling in the online form and its asking me for my Vessel Gross Tonnage. Well it probably weights about 1500-1600 kgs. But on the form it suggests I can estimate it by length x width x height / 4. But that would be about 9.5 tons - which it isnt.

Mmm, I will just put 1.5 then.

8 (m) * 2.5 (m) * 0.75 (m) [draft] / 4 = 3.75...

those numbers are obviously guesses but I doubt any one of them is massively out...

[Trimix]

Ah, that makes sense now. Why didnt they just say the "carrying capacity" then, instead of gross tonnage.

Anyway - Ive got the number now, so Im a happy boater.

[Gramas]

Never got cert in post? Think I had option to print one out

[Pikey Dave]

Your ships licence is kept "on line" in the ether. You can modify it at will & add or remove equipment. Your radar, PLB, VHF, AIS transponder, Active radar reflector (SART) should all be listed on your licence. You can print it out as you need to or when you modify it. I have mine printed, laminated & kept onboard.

[chris.moody]

Recently I added a DSC handheld to my transportable licence. The newly created mmsi was on the licence when I downloaded the PDF licence.