EPIRB MMSI

[lustyd]

Hi all, I just got an Ocean Signal Rescue Me EPIRB3 which has AIS and it seems ambiguous as to whether it needs an MMSI programmed into it. Does anyone have experience of this unit? The manual just states to write the vessel details on the unit, but other models require programming and this does send AIS emergency alerts.
Thanks!

 

[John_Silver]

Hi all, I just got an Ocean Signal Rescue Me EPIRB3 which has AIS and it seems ambiguous as to whether it needs an MMSI programmed into it. Does anyone have experience of this unit? The manual just states to write the vessel details on the unit, but other models require programming and this does send AIS emergency alerts.
Thanks!

I’ve had the McMurdo equivalent (G8) aboard for the past couple of seasons. No MMSI input into that. Bullet 3 explains what the AIS frequency transmission of the EPIRB contains:



Seems to be a generic sentence, so far as the boat is concerned; BUT with the EPIRB unit number as the specific identifier….Meaning no user input of an MMSI required. On a McMurdo.

 

[lustyd]

Very useful thanks for that. It’s possible that’s also in the manual for mine and I missed it while searching.

 

[BCsailor]

Very useful thanks for that. It’s possible that’s also in the manual for mine and I missed it while searching.

http://oceansignal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/912S-03967-EPIRB3-User-Manual-v01.04_English.pdf

I too could not find anything mentioned about MMSI in this manual....

 

[lustyd]

Just had another look and yes it’s not in there. I really expected this thread to be a “read the fine manual” kind of affair. Thanks again, I’m happy to assume the McMurdo manual explains it nicely and will give it a test when we get back to the boat with apologies to those in the Solent for yet another test alarm

 

[Bilgediver]

Just had another look and yes it’s not in there. I really expected this thread to be a “read the fine manual” kind of affair. Thanks again, I’m happy to assume the McMurdo manual explains it nicely and will give it a test when we get back to the boat with apologies to those in the Solent for yet another test alarm

All EPIRB devices have to be registered. When you carry out the registration the system links your EPIRB to the MMSI number related to your boat.

Register a UK 406 MHz beacon

 

[lustyd]

That registration is a different thing, it’s just to link the device to the boat not to set up the AIS distress signal

 

[Sandy]

That registration is a different thing, it’s just to link the device to the boat not to set up the AIS distress signal

The EPIRB3 does not need a MMSI number - all it is doing is shouting I am active come and find me.

The device is registered with the Coastguard, my PLB has a 15 character identifier, when a shout for help is received the CG match that number against the registration.

Local vessels will have an distress icon on their systems showing its position. What other information do they need?

 

[Bilgediver]

The EPIRB3 does not need a MMSI number - all it is doing is shouting I am active come and find me.

The device is registered with the Coastguard, my PLB has a 15 character identifier, when a shout for help is received the CG match that number against the registration.

Local vessels will have an distress icon on their systems showing its position. What other information do they need?

You have to remember that this device is not only operating as an AIS alarm where it activates an AIS alarm indicator on the displays of nearby ) ships but can also send an EPIRP alarm on 406mhz to the international satellite system.

The MMSI is not required for the AIS however you should register the device in respect of the EPIRB function. The registration links you Epirb Hex code to your boat and flag state. This ensures that your signal is sorted from those of other flag states and reaches the UK coastguard without delay.

Registration of the Resue 3 ensures that the system deals promptly with your messages and forwarding them to the correct country and MRCC. . If your device is unregistered it may be quicker to put out a call out to the local coastguard on ch16.