Dsc Mmsi

[Jon H]

So what is a DSC MMSI

[Jon Brooks]

Hi Jon,

The MMSI number is a 9 digit number that you programme into your DSC radio.
This is then the ID of that boat.

The MMSI number is issued as part of your ships radio licence.
This licence is obtained via Ofcom.

All the best

[Jon H]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Hi Jon,

The MMSI number is a 9 digit number that you programme into your DSC radio.
This is then the ID of that boat.

The MMSI number is issued as part of your ships radio licence.
This licence is obtained via Ofcom.

All the best

Thanks for the very rapid reply

[Jon H]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Hi Jon,

The MMSI number is a 9 digit number that you programme into your DSC radio.
This is then the ID of that boat.

The MMSI number is issued as part of your ships radio licence.
This licence is obtained via Ofcom.

All the best

So that is the MMSI what is the DSC part?

SO I guess I need to go on a VHF course and then buy a radio

DO you need the license before you can buy one?

[TonyC]

MMSI = Maritime Mobile Service Identity

This is the 9 digit number that identifies you as Jon stated above

DSC = Digital Selective Calling

This is the system that uses the MMSI. It uses channel 70 on your VHF (which is why you never ever use Channel 70 for anything )

You don't need to have a licence to buy a VHF, however you can only use if for emergencies in that case.

I would recommend doing a VHF course, it isnt a long course, but it's very informative for those you have never really used a VHF before (and it is a requirement to have a licence, or under the direct supervision of someone who has a licence to operate one normally)

http://www.rya.org.uk/KnowledgeBase/...flicencing.htm

[ch5120]

Originally Posted by Jon H

So that is the MMSI what is the DSC part?

SO I guess I need to go on a VHF course and then buy a radio

DO you need the license before you can buy one?

Answer 1....As above.

Answer 2...Yes, just done mine and well worth it.

Answer 3....No, but then when you switch it on and to stop that "whats that button do" i would do Answer 2!!

[Jon H]

Originally Posted by ch5120

Answer 1....As above.

Answer 2...Yes, just done mine and well worth it.

Answer 3....No, but then when you switch it on and to stop that "whats that button do" i would do Answer 2!!

Message recieved loud and clear

[Doug Stormforce]

Jon

Just to add another set of letters the course you need to take is the SRC (Short Range Certificate), it covers all you will need to get started and be legal with Marine VHF (Very High Frequency) Radio and DSC.

The course is one day.

[BassBoy]

And another set of letters!

DSC is part of GMDSS, the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System!

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by TonyC

You don't need to have a licence to buy a VHF, however you can only use if for emergencies in that case.

Be very very careful here, this statement is NOT 100% correct and IMHO could be very confusing.

You have to have a ships radio licence to legally fit a VHF radio to your vessel. You also need the SRC (Short Range Cert) to use the radio.

Whilst no one has ever fallen foul of the law using a radio in an emergency you ARE breaking the law if you have a VHF fitted to your boat and you do not have a ships radio licence.

There would be two offences here:-
1, having the equipment available for use with no licence.
2, using the equipment with no licence.

The Ships Radio Licence is free when you apply on line and really no reason not to have one. You will not get an MMSI number without a licence.

Both the Ships Radio Licence and the SRC are requirements under international maritime law.

If I can be of any further help please PM or mail me.