MMSI - could ask Ofcom - but ...

Plan_B

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Recently bought a used boat with DSC/VHF. On the licence app I put the the MMSI number from the existing licence, when the new licence was returned it had a different MMSI number ...

I thought the number belonged to the vessel/radio and therefore would be the original number.

Do you guys know the answer or should I contact Ofcom ? I think Mike Martins gone now hasn't he?

Regards

DD
 

AlexL

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unfortunately reprograming MMSI's usually requires the radio to be returned to the dealer - another fantastic feature of the whole DSC system.
 

aluijten

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I have a Navman DSC set, where you are not able to reprogram the MMSI number after initial programming, unless you have (that's what I guess) have some service code available, because reprogramming is from technical perspective totally no issue, but some pencil-desk clown thought it to be a good idea to prevent easy reprogramming to avoid fraude. This is obvious the biggest B$$$sh$t you can think of. If I really would like to mess up I would buy a second VHF.
Also I fail to see what someone would like to gain with such a fraude.
The funny thing is that in Holland you have also a thing called the ATIS-code used for inland waters (where we have a slighty different setup of the VHF channel set).
ATIS is a feature where your station-ID is sent automatically after you release the PTT button, so the 'officials' know who you are. It's enabled by a setup change in the Navman VHF set. This code I can change as much as I like.

Officials, you've got to love them, don't you...

Arno
 

JonBrooks

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[ QUOTE ]

Also I fail to see what someone would like to gain with such a fraude.
Arno

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok so I am a bit of a nutter I decide to monitor and gain as many MMSI numbers as I can, I the randomly put them in to my radio then send all kinds of DSC alerts using YOUR MMSI number.

Who would be the first to complain it was to easy for the nutter to reprog the MMSI number? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as ATIS goes it should again be a dealer func to reprog this, you are lucky if you set allows you to reprog it.

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Das_Boot

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We had a nutter run around the marina setting off all of the DSC alerts he could get his hands on lucky my boat was locked.
I realy felt sorry for the other guys though.
 

cardinal_mark

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I had exactly the same situation. I rang Ofcom before sending in the application and asked them if they could transfer the existing MMSI. They said it was a possibility but, quite rightly, didnt commit either way.

Once they'd taken a few details and I'd sent a confirming email they did end up transfering the old number - saving me a lot of grief and cost!

However, I dont think this is part of their usual practice and may have been because the old owner had yet to re-apply for a licence - I'm not sure. Anyway, its worth a try so if I were you, I'd give them a call.

Mark
 

aluijten

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Which proves that locking the MMSI code does not prevent the misuse.
At the very least they could have made it changeable for let's say 3 times before you are forced to helpt the dealer to better income...

Arno
 

Das_Boot

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I was making it up about the nutter. Some people see them under every tarpaulin. Why care about the MMSI number thingy. Just use it on your one. It only comes into play when you hit the red button I think. I dont even know how it works and dont care.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Which proves that locking the MMSI code does not prevent the misuse.
At the very least they could have made it changeable for let's say 3 times before you are forced to helpt the dealer to better income...

Arno

[/ QUOTE ]

The majority of pleasure boat sets here in the UK do actually allow more than one change before needing to be sent back to a dealer.

Mike
 

aluijten

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Quote:
====
Sorry but VERY wrong. The MMSI number is a vessel identity (just like the callsign) and stays with the vessel.
=====

Not in Holland. The autorities allow you to change the name of the vessel but not my own name (There is a special website for this). In fact you do not have to specify your vessel at all (just the name). Also the VHF set is of no interest, you just have to tell how many VHF's, EPIRB's, RADARS, etc you own, so they can charge you correctly.
I have just gone through the process so it's still clear in memory.

Ciao,

Arno
 
[ QUOTE ]
Quote:

Not in Holland. The autorities allow you to change the name of the vessel but not my own name (There is a special website for this). In fact you do not have to specify your vessel at all (just the name). Also the VHF set is of no interest, you just have to tell how many VHF's, EPIRB's, RADARS, etc you own, so they can charge you correctly.
I have just gone through the process so it's still clear in memory.

[/ QUOTE ]

That must mean that the Netherlands don't use their records to notify the Coastguard of details as we do here in the UK.

Although I don't see how that can be as NL will still have to notify to the ITU MARS database for SAR purposes, that is a complete record as laid out in Article 19 of the Radio Regs and Resolution 340 of same.

Maybe you should double-check.

Mike
 

aluijten

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[ QUOTE ]

That must mean that the Netherlands don't use their records to notify the Coastguard of details as we do here in the UK.

Although I don't see how that can be as NL will still have to notify to the ITU MARS database for SAR purposes, that is a complete record as laid out in Article 19 of the Radio Regs and Resolution 340 of same.

Maybe you should double-check.

Mike

[/ QUOTE ]

I've double checked. It's true. Both my callsign and my MMSI number is personal and not related to the boat. It makes sense because holding a boat responsible is hard to do, holding a person resonsible is much easier.
As said I can change the name of the vessel online and that is the only boat-detail stored for leisure boating. There is a interface to the international register because when I ran a query at this site, I found 'myself'.
Regulations might be different for the proffesional sector.

Arno
 
It has just occured to me, I only left the job a fortnight ago DOH. You must sail Inland.

You are referring to ATIS, which is an inland-waterways sytem, only found over your side of the channel due to the BASEL Agreement.
However, I am quite certain that you will find that it is still Ship identities.

What is the URL of the site you go to to update?

Mike
 

arto

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Plan-B,

I bought a used boat with a DSC radio last year. The MMSI stayed with the boat. Might be worth checking with Ofcom that they didn't make a mistake when they returned the certificate to you.

Given the difficulty of changing the MMSI, I'd have thought that leaving them with the boat (at least in the case where the radio stays with the boat) would be easiest.

Keeping the MMSI with the boat would be consistent with callsigns, which in my experience stay with the boat as well.
 

aluijten

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The site where this is maintained is a secure part of the site 'www.agentschap-telecom.nl'. This is the 'official' site where you can apply for a license for all kinds of radio (transmitting) equipment, not only maritime. As said to apply for a MMSI number you need to hand over your personal details, equipment list and the name of the boat. That's it, nothing more apart from the exam you need to take (MARCOM-B) and paying the bill.

At the secure server you can change the name of the boat, but not your own name, hence the licence itself is not transferrable. It might very well be possible to transfer the MMSI number to the new shipowner but I would never do that because your callsign is not transferable making it's totally impractical to do so. The callsign is also related to the ATIS-code but that's only used in inland waters.

In short, the only thing 'the officials' know from your boat is the name and this you can change (at a cost, obviously).

BTW: The exam you need to take for inland waters is different (= less complex) from the coastal waters version (Base VHF certificate vs. MARCOM-B).

Ciao,

Arno
 
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