Epirb mmsi

[duncan99210]

Interesting that a simple question generates such debate. Especially as not included in VHF course/exam (should it have been?)
Just received, the 'official' reply from the Registry:

Unfortunately we are unable to register your McMurdo E3 beacon Hex: 9E88D64D41C70D1 as it is programmed with Dutch MMSI: 244020377. This beacon will need to reprogrammed either with your UK MMSI or using UK serialised protocol with Country Code 232. Once reprogrammed, please advise the new Hex ID in order for us to registry your beacon.

Seems pretty plain that the epirb itself needs to be reprogrammed.

Thanks to all for contributions.

Ron

Ron,
You may find that the cost of reprogramming, along with a battery change (which mayor may not be a good idea) will approach the cost of a new beacon...... It may therefore be more cost effective to have a new beacon with a UK number rather than reprogramme the old one.

 

[Roberto]

Unfortunately we are unable to register your McMurdo E3 beacon Hex: 9E88D64D41C70D1 as it is programmed with Dutch MMSI: 244020377. This beacon will need to reprogrammed either with your UK MMSI or using UK serialised protocol with Country Code 232. Once reprogrammed, please advise the new Hex ID in order for us to registry your beacon.

Seems pretty plain that the epirb itself needs to be reprogrammed.

Thanks for the interesting feedback.
So the original EPIRB coding was with country code "Netherlands" and Dutch MMSI as above.

UK authorities advise to re-program the beacon either with "UK country code and serial number", or "UK MMSI number", otherwise they cannot register it in the UK data base.
The fact (as it seems) that the UK accepts both "UK country code + serial number" coded beacons, and "MMSI coded" beacons, means that if one wishes to sell/lend a UK boat, or sell/lend a UK beacon, then the type of coding should be checked.
If "MMSI coded" the beacon is tied to that specific boat; if "Country coded+serial number" then it might be sold/lent and the association with the appropriate MMSI be made every time at the MCGA Register.

Am I correct ? WHat do forumites reckon ?

 

[ronhugh]

Just received, here's the official position from the Registry:

'Unfortunately we are unable to register your McMurdo E3 beacon Hex: 9E88D64D41C70D1 as it is programmed with Dutch MMSI: 244020377. This beacon will need to reprogrammed either with your UK MMSI or using UK serialised protocol with Country Code 232. Once reprogrammed, please advise the new Hex ID in order for us to registry your beacon.'
Thanks to all for contributions.

Ron

 

[duncan99210]

Thanks for the interesting feedback.
So the original EPIRB coding was with country code "Netherlands" and Dutch MMSI as above.

UK authorities advise to re-program the beacon either with "UK country code and serial number", or "UK MMSI number", otherwise they cannot register it in the UK data base.
The fact (as it seems) that the UK accepts both "UK country code + serial number" coded beacons, and "MMSI coded" beacons, means that if one wishes to sell/lend a UK boat, or sell/lend a UK beacon, then the type of coding should be checked.
If "MMSI coded" the beacon is tied to that specific boat; if "Country coded+serial number" then it might be sold/lent and the association with the appropriate MMSI be made every time at the MCGA Register.

Am I correct ? WHat do forumites reckon ?

Roberto,
That's what I've been saying all along. The UK, US, Canada and Australia accept beacons either with an MMSI or a country specific serial number. Other nations insist on an MMSI.

 

[Roberto]

Roberto,
That's what I've been saying all along. The UK, US, Canada and Australia accept beacons either with an MMSI or a country specific serial number. Other nations insist on an MMSI.

Thank you Duncan.

I have difficulties to find any written regulations from the relevant national authorities, but of course the evidence is they (mmsi and serial coding) are both allowed.

In practice, with a UK purchase of an epirb, who chooses the type of coding? Are people aware of the differences between the two ? Or people just do not bother and the seller decides by itself?

regards
r

 

[Koeketiene]

In practice, with a UK purchase of an epirb, who chooses the type of coding? Are people aware of the differences between the two ? Or people just do not bother and the seller decides by itself?

Bought my EPIRB locally (Seamark Nunn - Levington).
The chandlery inquired about the country of registration of our boat (Guapa is Belgian registered).
They then programmed my EPIRB according to the requirements of the country of registration.
Couple of weeks later, I also received confirmation from the Belgian equivalent of OFCOM (BIPT) that my EPIRB had been registered with them.
All very efficient/painless.

 

[duncan99210]

R

Thank you Duncan.

I have difficulties to find any written regulations from the relevant national authorities, but of course the evidence is they (mmsi and serial coding) are both allowed.

In practice, with a UK purchase of an epirb, who chooses the type of coding? Are people aware of the differences between the two ? Or people just do not bother and the seller decides by itself?

regards
r

Unless you ask specifically for an MMSI to be programmed in the default in the UK is for no MMSI. As there is no national requirement for an MMSI, most people will not even know about the option but will simply register the beacon with the MCA via their website using the 15 digit code.

 

[Roberto]

thank you both


r

 

[rogerthebodger]

The important point is the the EPIRB must have the country code programmed into the EPIRB hex number. This country is the first 3 numbers of the MMSI number and not necessary all the MMSI number at the registered hex number identifies the vessel to the country that the country code part of the MMSI number points to.

This is important at the satellite system reads the country code from the hex number then sent a message with the hex code to that country Who is the only place that has the info about the vessel in destress . If the MMSI was wrong it would delay in the Search efforts vith delays in getting info to the correct SAR team.