Is it worth returning my radios for new MMSI numbers

P

Polly1

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 Nov 2009
Messages
110
Location
Singapore
Visit site
I have a VHF and an HF both with incorrect MMSI numbers for my new boat. I am in Singapore and there is no dealer here that can recode them. I have checked the manuals and the sets only allow for one attempt at MMSI entry. I have an AIS transmitter correctly programmed. Is it worth sending the radios off for new numbers?
 
I have never heard of a skipper being prosecuted for wrong numbers (or no licence). The Authorities have got better things to do.

Just use 'em correctly.
 
Apart from receiving a mayday ( Normally miles out of range & of no relevance to me) I find the DSC of no practical purpose- other than actually sending one myself.

At that point I think I would want it working perfectly.
If it had been on board for years giving endless annoying bleeps only for me to find that when I did finally need it, the DSC function was worthless, I think I might want to smash it with a hammer.
Get it sorted ASAP
 
The OP says the numbers are wrong for their " new boat". I thought the MMSI was attached to the boat not the person so you can't transfer your old radio to a new boat. If you buy a new boat that has an VHF with an MMSI then you simply change your details on the Ofcom website (and previously) on the CG66. I have no idea what happens in Singapore but isn't it all one big system?
 
MoodySabre said:
The OP says the numbers are wrong for their " new boat". I thought the MMSI was attached to the boat not the person so you can't transfer your old radio to a new boat. If you buy a new boat that has an VHF with an MMSI then you simply change your details on the Ofcom website (and previously) on the CG66. I have no idea what happens in Singapore but isn't it all one big system?
Click to expand...

+1 Thats's my understanding. When I purchased my second hand boat both the MMSI and Call Sign stayed with the boat and were transferred to me when I applied for the ships licence in my name.
 
MoodySabre said:
The OP says the numbers are wrong for their " new boat". I thought the MMSI was attached to the boat not the person so you can't transfer your old radio to a new boat. If you buy a new boat that has an VHF with an MMSI then you simply change your details on the Ofcom website (and previously) on the CG66.
Click to expand...
But if you buy a 2nd hand VHF for your old boat?
 
LadyInBed said:
But if you buy a 2nd hand VHF for your old boat?
Click to expand...

Call Signs and MMSI's stay with the vessel. If the MMSI can't be reprogrammed by the user or the OEM, then you need to buy a one that can be programmed with the registered details. If the new vessel does not have one, it appears that the authority will assign a call sign and MMSI number. I assume that the UK regulations, which I am quoting, are standard interpretations applied world wide.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/ass...dio-Licences-Guidance-notes-for-licensing.pdf

4.6 If you move a radio from one ship to another (for example if you remove the radio when selling a boat and install it in your new boat), the radio must be programmed with the MMSI of the new boat.
Click to expand...

4.3 The ship station call sign and MMSI (where assigned) remain with the ship for the duration of its life regardless of changes of ownership or ship name. If a ship is passed to a new owner, therefore, it will retain the old radio call sign and MMSI. If you are the new owner and you are applying for a Ship Radio Licence, you must tell us the ship’s call sign and MMSI.4.4 A call sign or MMSI is unique to the ship to which we issue them. They may not, therefore be transferred from one ship to another.
4.5 If you acquire a ship that has previously been covered by a UK Ship Radio Licence, you must establish from the previous owner what the call sign is. You must also establish whether the ship has an MMSI and if so, what that is. You must then notify us of these details when you apply for the licence.
Click to expand...
 
BlowingOldBoots said:
+1 Thats's my understanding. When I purchased my second hand boat both the MMSI and Call Sign stayed with the boat and were transferred to me when I applied for the ships licence in my name.
Click to expand...

That is OK if the boat stays in the same territory, but MMSI numbers are territory specific. So I had to change to UK number on my last boat which was originally on the Greek register.
 
It is actually possible to move the VHF from "oldboat" to "newboat", as well as the call sign.

You remove the VHF from "oldboat" and anything that states the call sign. The new owner applies for a new license and gets a new MMSI and call sign.

You then fit the VHF on "newboat" and go to the Ofcom site to edit your license. You change the name to "newboat" and amend any other details, such as LOA, displacement etc. If "oldboat" is on the CG66 (or the RYA thing) then edit that too.

No doubt this is not how Ofcom intended it to be. However, if done correctly the details on the "newboat" license, the CG66 and the new license for "oldboat" will all be correct, so it makes no difference.
 
I would suggest that having the correct MMSI for use in a mayday situation is essential. I had to make a mayday call this year, and in the heat of the moment the position I gave over the radio was wrong. The DSC I had just sent was (obviously) correct. Dover coastguard asked me to repeat the position verbally (and correctly) to get things straight, and so Ramsgate RNLI could go in the right direction.

Getting things confused is a possibility when the adrenaline is pumping, the DSC is going to be correct, assuming your GPS is functioning.
 
The make and models are GX2150 Standard Horizon VHF and an ICOM IC M802 HF radio.
If anyone knows how to recode them that would be great.
I had thought about the DSC call, the radio has GPS connected so any help would have the wrong boat details but would at least come to the right place.
 
I'm afraid that you are mistaken, PaulRainbow. You cannot transfer call sign or MMSI from one boat to another. From Of168a - Guidance notes for licensing:

4.3 The ship station call sign and MMSI (where assigned) remain with the ship for the duration of its life regardless of changes of ownership or ship name. If a ship is passed to a new owner, therefore, it will retain the old radio call sign and MMSI. If you are the new owner and you are applying for a Ship Radio Licence, you must tell us the ship’s call sign and MMSI.

4.4 A call sign or MMSI is unique to the ship to which we issue them. They may not, therefore be transferred from one ship to another.

4.5 If you acquire a ship that has previously been covered by a UK Ship Radio Licence, you must establish from the previous owner what the call sign is. You must also establish whether the ship has an MMSI and if so, what that is. You must then notify us of these details when you apply for the licence.

4.6 If you move a radio from one ship to another (for example if you remove the radio when selling a boat and install it in your new boat), the radio must be programmed with the MMSI of the new boat.

4.7 If you buy a second-hand DSC radio, you must ensure that it is re-programmed with the MMSI of your current boat.
Click to expand...
 
andygc said:
I'm afraid that you are mistaken, PaulRainbow. You cannot transfer call sign or MMSI from one boat to another. From Of168a - Guidance notes for licensing:
Click to expand...

I am not mistaken, please read what i said. I can assure you that it works, because i did it with my previous boat. To confirm that it would still work i went to the Ofcom site yesterday to make sure that all of the boat data can still be amended, it can.
 
As Paul says, the MNSI 'can' be transferred (by a physical action)

As andygc points out the MNSI 'may not' be transferred (a rule - whether this is law or Ofcom practice I do not know).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top