MMSI Confused

[jordanbasset]

Hi, am looking to license DSC radio on my name, it came with the boat and the previous owner is in the process of cancelling his license. Went on the OFCOM site and did not know whether I needed to complete 'Of347' or 'Of347a' form so gave them a call. Clarifed it was Of347 I needed to complete, so far so good.

But was then told that I would not keep the current MMSI number and would be issued a new one, which I would then have to prgramme in. From reading posts probably not too difficult, but from previous threads I believed the MMSI number stays with the boat/radio. I assume the people at Ofcom know what they are doing but does seem a convoluted way of doing this. Would appreciate if any knows whether it is necesary to get a new MMSI number or a way I could keep the existing one - many thanks

 

[Billjratt]

I thought it stayed with the boat, although they did start re-cycling call signs that had lapsed, so could be the same.
If the previous owner is "in the process of cancelling" it's unlikely to have been re-issued already. Phone them again and explain that a paper change to them involves a physical visit to the radio technician for you, and think - you cannot be the first person to meet this situation, they must have had complaints before (if, in fact, the operative you spoke to was correct...)

 

[gjgm]

have you asked them the question another way around?
Namely, this is the MMSI number, how do I register it in my name?
I ve dont this, though I think it needed a bit of a sleight of hand at Ofcom.. you shouldnt need to change the MMSI number.

 

[Carolwildbird]

I kept the same MMSI number- just registered it in my name. It goes with the radio/boat as far as I understand. I think you've been given duff info!

Edited to add. HEY.. she's yours!!!!!!! well done- i hope you have her well tied up- winds gusting up to 50 knots!)

 

[jordanbasset]

Thanks Carol, GJGM, BILLJRAT, will try again tomorrow

 

[SwedishLass]

I kept the same MMSI & callsign should be no need to change as MMSI goes with ships licence. When dealing with OFCOM it is a name change on the ships licence.

 

[ChattingLil]

I've recently had a similar problem. Totally incomprehensible information from the person I spoke to and I still haven't got an answer. I was on the phnoe for an hour and was put on hold after every question I asked while they went off to ask a supervisor. In the end I was told that I could keep the number and they would register it in my name.

However, the very next day I got an email from them saying that was incorrect. The MMSI was still registered to an old owner (actually, the owner before the owner before) and that I would have to reregister.

I still am none the wiser and completely confused.

Perhaps this is completely naive of me, but if I were ever to use the current MMSI either as a boat to boat call, or in distress, the call would still come to me on the boat wouldn't it? What does it matter who I am or where I live? Surely its the person on the radio on the boat in the position they are in?

 

[johnabbott893]

I did an online registration with the existing MMSI and callsign. The old paper license had lapsed by some 8 months. The online system seemed quite content with a new owner retaining the boat's existing MMSI.

 

[Shorn100]

The MMSI and the Call Sign stay with the boat. They are not trasnferrable.

Shorn

 

[jordanbasset]

Have now been issued a license and the the mmsi number is thankfully the same - one more task done, 3,467,000 to go and 18 weeks to do them /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Billjratt]

re - Shorn100-
only as long as the records are updated. If allowed to lapse, callsigns will be recycled.