BoatUS.com: MMSI Number Assignment Instructions

Before you begin...


A.	Please be sure to have the following items handy when completing the application.
	1.	Up to 2 Emergency contact names as well as the home and work or cell phone number of each.
	2.	Any Vessel Wireless telephone or cell phone numbers used on board.
	3.	Vessel Documentation or State Registration Number
	4.	If applicable, you may also include an EPIRB ID Code.
	5.	If you are a BoatU.S. member, please include your member number.
	6.	The MMSI number is assigned to the vessel, not the radio. All radios, whether fixed installations or handheld and no matter how many, permanently associated with the same vessel should all use the same MMSI number.
B.	Helpful information regarding the website.
	1.	Telephone numbers should be entered as 10 digits without parenthesis or dashes.
	2.	If you are unsure about the definition of a field, just click on the field name.
	3.	*Upon Completion* of the application you will receive a confirmation screen with your new MMSI number as well as an email confirmation at the address provided on the application.
	4.	We suggest recording your MMSI # along with the login name and password you created, in the owner's manual for the radio. You may need them to confirm or edit data in the future.
	5.	For a thorough explanation of how the DSC System works, be sure to check out the VHF/DSC Radio Tutorial on the MMSI homepage.
C.	USCG and FCC information
	1.	If you are required to carry a VHF License assigned through the FCC or plan to obtain one, do not complete this form. An MMSI has already been assigned or will be assigned to you in connection with your VHF License. Please call the FCC at 888-225-5322 (select option 2) to obtain or verify your FCC assigned MMSI number.
	2.	BoatU.S. assigned MMSI data is stored in the Coast Guard SAR database. It is not included in the International SAR database.
	3.	If you are voluntarily licensed but will be cruising in U.S. waters only, you may use the BoatU.S. assigned MMSI number, however, keep in mind that should you decide to cruise in international waters in future, the MMSI data would not be included in the International Search & Rescue Database.
	4.	Although we have included a space for an INMARSAT telephone number, please be aware that an FCC license is required to communicate internationally; therefore the MMSI number should be obtained from the FCC with your ship station license.
	5.	If you would like to learn more about the BoatU.S. MMSI registration web site, MMSI numbers, DSC capable VHF radios, or the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, be sure to read the About section of this web site.