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What
does MMSI stand for?
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Maritime
Mobile Service Identity
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What
is MMSI? |
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A unique
9 digit number that is assigned to a DSC radio station
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What
does DSC stand for? |
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Digital
Selective Calling
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What
is DSC? |
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A new
radio technology allowing enhanced distress radio messages
to be sent digitally.
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Is my
radio capable of sending a DSC message? |
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Maybe. Radios with DSC capability have been on the U.S. market
for several years. Since 1999, the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) began requiring new fixed mount models introduced
in the U.S. to be equipped with the DSC feature. Minimally,
DSC radios are equipped with single-button emergency transmission
capability.
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What
does MMSI do? |
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It primarily
registers the boat information in the U.S. Coast Guard's national
distress database for use in emergency situations.
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What
are some advantages of a DSC equipped radio? |
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DSC radios have a one-button emergency transmit button that
sends the vessel's unique MMSI number. In addition, if the
DSC equipped radio is linked to a GPS or Loran unit, the distress
call will include the vessel's position. Should the skipper
become incapacitated, the radio will continue sending the
mayday. In addition, a DSC equipped vessel with an MMSI number
can make a "private" hailing call to another DSC-equipped
vessel. Only the vessel being called will receive the hail.
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Does
the U.S. Coast Guard monitor DSC maydays? |
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Not nationwide yet, and it may not until 2009 for the continental U.S.
and 2011 for Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam. However, commercial ships
are required to monitor the DSC-reserved Channel 70 for distress calls
and have relayed maydays to the Coast Guard.
In an emergency, Channel 16 should be used first.
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Is there
a fee to receive an MMSI number? |
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BoatU.S., in cooperation with the FCC and the USCG, has agreed
to staff and budget this service. BoatU.S. is offering this
registration service free of charge to all recreational boaters.
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How
can I register to get a free MMSI number? |
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Several ways: Go to www.boatus.com
and click on the "MMSI" button to 1) register immediately
on-line. 2) Down load and print a registration form. Fax or
mail the completed form to the BoatU.S. MMSI program at (703)
461-2840 or mail to MMSI Program 880 S. Pickett St. Alexandria,
VA 22304 3) Call (800) 563-1536 to ask questions or to request
a registration form.
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Why
has BoatU.S. elected to absorb the cost of MMSI registration? |
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MMSI and DSC have the potential to save many lives as the
Coast Guard installs their nationwide communications upgrade
by 2005. BoatU.S. wants to insure that recreational boaters
have reasonable access the system. BoatU.S. has advocated
safe boating from its founding in 1966.
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Is an
FCC VHF license required? |
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No, recreational
boats under 65' operating in U.S. waters no longer require
a VHF license.
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Does
the Coast Guard plan to cease monitoring Channel 16 once GMDSS
is operational in the U.S. after 2005-6? |
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No. The
Coast Guard has no plans to stop monitoring Channel 16 at
any time in the foreseeable future.
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Is there
a channel reserved for DSC? |
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Yes, channel
70 is to be used exclusively for DSC.
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As a
recreational boater, do I have to maintain a watch on Channel
70? |
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No.
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What
is "private calling" as related to DSC? |
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It
is in effect "private hailing" of another vessel
whose MMSI number is known to you. Once contact is established
between the vessels, they are automatically switched to the
preselected "working channel", and the "privacy"
ends at that point, meaning that the transmission (conversation)
can be heard by any other vessel monitoring that channel.
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I thought
MMSI numbers were supposed to begin with a "366". I received
mine and it has a different prefix. |
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The first digit or two identifies one of the four kinds of
Maritime Mobile Service Identities:
- Ship
station identities
- Group
ship station identities
- Coast
station identities
- Group
coast station identities
For a
complete breakdown and explanation of the digits visit the
following USCG web site: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm
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I have
two boats, in different states and each has a DSC capable VHF
radio. Can I get two MMSI numbers? |
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Yes, in
fact YOU MUST if you wish the system to work. In a distress
situation, it is vital to identify the particular vessel,
home port, etc.
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I bought
a boat with a Ship's Station License and MMSI. Can I continue
to use the call sign and MMSI that came with it? |
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No, that
information applies to someone else. You must reregister.
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I have
an FCC license that is still valid. I am buying a new DSC capable
VHF radio. Do I have to transfer the license or something to
cover the new radio? |
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If you
already have a valid FCC license, you should contact the FCC
to get an MMSI. The BoatU.S. registry is intended for those
not licensed or required to be FCC licensed.
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I am
a Canadian boater with a DSC radio. Can I register at BoatU.S.? |
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No. The
MMSI number contains a country code and the BoatU.S. numbers
are to be used for U.S. vessels.
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