MMSI Number ?

[sonny]

I'm going to buy a VHF DSC, what do I do about getting a MMSI number? I'm going to bin my old vhf.

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by sonny on 21/04/2004 19:51 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[colvic987]

download a radio licence form from the ra site, fill it in and send it off, requesting mmsi number,

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[nordic]

ra is now under the thumb of ofcom at www.ofcom.org.uk and instead of being a user friendly, informative site is now a good example of what happens when the government appoints ever larger bureaocratic agencies to do a simple job! You will eventually find the info and form to download.

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[Novice]

In a nutshell, you ask Ofcom for one. I applied for a radio license via the internet, and as part of the application process, you tell them what you have in the way of equipment. If you specify a fixed or handheld DSC radio, they will send you a MMSI number as part of your licence.

As I said, you can do this on-line - no need to download forms and mail them off

Jon

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Novice on 21/04/2004 20:44 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[sailorman]

y bin it y might sell through this forum

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[Gordon]

Do you need a licence to obtain a MMSI number?. If not, what are all these
courses up and down the country that charge anywhere between 50-200 pounds
to teach you how to press a red button?




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[snowleopard]

doouble whammy

you need an operator's licence to drive a radio, which you get by taking the exam.

you also need a licence for the radio with which you get an MMSI, this you get by shelling out the dosh.

just like a car really.

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[Avocet]

Re: doouble whammy

My licence was due recently so I e-mailed the helpline on the reminder form saying I'd just bought a DSC set and askig how I went about getting one. Pretty much instantly I got a reply from a helpful chap asking what was the maximum number of persons I would be carrying aboard. I told him and he just e-mailed me a number! Even better, I then paid my licence fee and lo and behold, yesterday, my new "beer mat" arrived with an MMSI number AND it was the same number as I'd been e-mailed!

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[Oldhand]

If you believe pressing a red button is all there is to DSC then you obviously need to go on a course.

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[PhilF]

Do you think its Gordon Mills, Tom Jones' manager?

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[Mike_Martin]

To get the MMSI number you need to amend your existsing Ship Radio Licence to show that you are carrying DSC radio equipment.

The form is called OF28 and you can down load it here http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing_numbering/radiocomms/maritime_licensing/?a=87101

If however, the boat has been out of commission for some time and you don't have a current Ship Radio Licence you will need to apply for a Ship Radio Licence the form is on the same page. That's diplomatic isn't it?

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Mike_Martin]

Yes you need to have a Ship Radio Licence to legally have a Marine radio "available for use" on board.

Marine radios should only be operated by (or under the direct supervision of) the holder of the relevant Maritime Radio Operators Certificate of Competence, in the case of VHF this is the Short Range Operators certificate available from the RYA. However, this is not true if the vessel is in DISTRESS and making a MAYDAY, it's worth ponting out though that doing the course teaches you how to make a correct MAYDAY call etc.

Before anyone says it, these are both requirements of the international Radio Regulations which govern the use of Maritime Radio World-wide.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Mike_Martin]

Hear bleedin' hear!!

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Mike_Martin]

Re: doouble whammy

It's nice to see positive feedback we are so used to be moaned at usually.

Thank you I shall pass it on to the RLC who will be tickled.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Mike_Martin]

Or call RLC direct on 0870 243 4433 as despite postal notices to the contrary from the over-zealous Transitional Team they are still there.

You can always email direct to MAAT@ofcom.org.uk and we'll help from here.

Mike

PS MAAT is our new monicker being Maritime and Aero Team.

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Gordon]

thanks for answer......so does my licence to operate my marine VHF (which I obtained by doing a course,about 20 years ago, cover a DSC system?



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[davidwf]

No you need to do a 1/2 day update course, but after 20 years its probably benificail to do the whole one day course.

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[Gordon]

thanks for info

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[Mike_Martin]

No your Operator's Certificate covers you for the old system and will have taught you to rely on Channel 16 always as your first calling option. The problem is that it isn't anymore, under the GMDSS ALL caling takes place on Channel 70 using the Digital Selective Calling system although back up calls can be made on C16 which is nowadays a "DISTRESS and safety working channel" only and not for calling.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[davidportwain]

Having a VHF & operators cert for many years, how do I get an MMSI number now that OFCOM have taken over from RA. I dont want to pay again