AIS Name & Owner Change

[jbweston]

I have a recollection (I'm not claiming that I'm sure about this) that US-supplied AIS sets are legally required not to be capable of having the MMSI number altered by the user/owner. In the UK I believe there is no such legal requirement, and whether the manufacturers supply their AIS equipment with easily alterable MMSI numbers is up to them.

Obviously the need to alter the MMSI only arises if the unit is removed from the boat to be fitted to another, or if the boat changes its country of registration. Otherwise the MMSI stays permanently with the boat.

 

[dune16]

I have a recollection (I'm not claiming that I'm sure about this) that US-supplied AIS sets are legally required not to be capable of having the MMSI number altered by the user/owner. In the UK I believe there is no such legal requirement, and whether the manufacturers supply their AIS equipment with easily alterable MMSI numbers is up to them.

Obviously the need to alter the MMSI only arises if the unit is removed from the boat to be fitted to another, or if the boat changes its country of registration. Otherwise the MMSI stays permanently with the boat.

Sounds right to me. We changed from Maltese flag to British, the change was done by the electrician in Malta.

 

[47GC]

That’s me got the part 1 ships registry sorted now. To be fair, a very simple process of sending them the bill of sale, change of owner, declaration of eligibility & a copy of the existing registration form. Very easy forms to complete and all done via email. Just waiting now for the new registration certificate.

I’ll get on the boat this weekend to take a look at the AIS unit and see what cable and software I need to reprogram the name. My business is IT so should be easy to get done.

 

[Hurricane]

Sounds right to me. We changed from Maltese flag to British, the change was done by the electrician in Malta.

I guess that you also had to change the MMSI number.
AFAIK, it isn't per se the flag of the vessel that required the change of MMSI.
It is mainly triggered by your requirement to have a UK VHF registration (tied to your ships registration).
Hence the need for a UK MMSI number (first 3 digits IIRC).

Back to the OP's question.
If you need to change the MMSI number (for example change of country) then that has to be carried out by the manufacturer or a dealer.
I think they sometimes reset the MMSI to zero (factory defaults) so that you can program the new number yourself - just as if you were installing a new set.

Other ships information can be programmed/reprogrammed by the user - as mentioned ProAIS2 is a good software tool to make these changes.
Programming the MMSI (from factory settings) can also be carried out using applications like ProAIS2.
Apart from the MMSI, software like ProAIS2 can be used any time to change any of the other parameters (ships name and length etc).
ProAIS2 also includes diagnostic software to help debug problems.

 

[47GC]

I don’t think I will need to change the NMSI number. My understanding at this point is to change the name on the AIS unit. Then fill in the online form that was linked in this thread to keep things right.

I’m actually going to be land locked on Loch Lomond so don’t really need AIS, but just want it to be right for the next owner etc.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I don’t think I will need to change the NMSI number. My understanding at this point is to change the name on the AIS unit. Then fill in the online form that was linked in this thread to keep things right.

I’m actually going to be land locked on Loch Lomond so don’t really need AIS, but just want it to be right for the next owner etc.

Correct. Also as it’s there it’d be incorrect to transmit the wrong name.

 

[Hurricane]

I don’t think I will need to change the NMSI number. My understanding at this point is to change the name on the AIS unit. Then fill in the online form that was linked in this thread to keep things right.

I’m actually going to be land locked on Loch Lomond so don’t really need AIS, but just want it to be right for the next owner etc.

I think your $64,000 question is what MMSI does your main VHF set transmit - the AIS should then transmit the same number.
However it would be useful to have the correct boat name and size transmitted in case anyone needs to find you.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I’d be surprised if the MMSI is mismatched / wrong, it’s a recent UK based Princess.

 

[Jerbro]

That’s me got the part 1 ships registry sorted now. To be fair, a very simple process of sending them the bill of sale, change of owner, declaration of eligibility & a copy of the existing registration form. Very easy forms to complete and all done via email. Just waiting now for the new registration certificate.

I’ll get on the boat this weekend to take a look at the AIS unit and see what cable and software I need to reprogram the name. My business is IT so should be easy to get done.

If it is the Raymarine AIS650 then bring your laptop and a “mini-USB” cable and you’ll probably be able to get it sorted straight away… all the downloads you need can be found here… AIS650 Software Download | Raymarine

 

[wonkywinch]

I think your $64,000 question is what MMSI does your main VHF set transmit - the AIS should then transmit the same number.
However it would be useful to have the correct boat name and size transmitted in case anyone needs to find you.

The "main VHF" won't transmit an MMSI unless it also has a built in AIS transceiver. If it does, same rules apply but why would you have two separate AIS transceivers on the same vessel?

 

[47GC]

If it is the Raymarine AIS650 then bring your laptop and a “mini-USB” cable and you’ll probably be able to get it sorted straight away… all the downloads you need can be found here… AIS650 Software Download | Raymarine

View attachment 190397

Brilliant. Thank you.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

The "main VHF" won't transmit an MMSI unless it also has a built in AIS transceiver. If it does, same rules apply but why would you have two separate AIS transceivers on the same vessel?

Thought the VHF will transmit its MMSI on any DSC alert / call? Unrelated to AIS.

 

[wonkywinch]

Thought the VHF will transmit its MMSI on any DSC alert / call? Unrelated to AIS.

My mistake, you are correct.

 

[Hurricane]

My mistake, you are correct.

Yep - on your VHF, look up the MMSI that has been set into your VHF set.
There should be a menu on the VHF set itself that will display the MMSI installed.
Then make sure that it is the same MMSI that has been installed into the AIS transceiver.

Maybe check your AIS using www.marinetraffic.com or vesselfinder.com or ask a friend with an AIS receiver to check your transmission - look for your vessel name and MMSI.