Question

[lisilou]

When we took ownership of 'Lisilou', we assumed the fixed radio licence was issued to the boat not the owner...is this right? The reason I ask is the actual certificate is missing from the radio paperwork. obviously I need to update the details but can't without the licence number. Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Lisa

 

[rbcoomer]

When we took ownership of 'Lisilou', we assumed the fixed radio licence was issued to the boat not the owner...is this right? The reason I ask is the actual certificate is missing from the radio paperwork. obviously I need to update the details but can't without the licence number. Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Lisa

Yes, but was probably done online with Ofcom. Details should be updated as the MMSI is linked to boat and that in turn should be linked to you. I found Ofcom very helpful so perhaps worth a call? All you'd need to know is your MMSI or callsign I think. You print your own certificate from the website.

 

[lisilou]

Yes, but was probably done online with Ofcom. Details should be updated as the MMSI is linked to boat and that in turn should be linked to you. I found Ofcom very helpful so perhaps worth a call? All you'd need to know is your MMSI or callsign I think. You print your own certificate from the website.

Thanks RB. On their site now but will have to give them a call monday as they don't say how to apply for a replacement cert. To update details i.e change of name etc, I need the cert number.
Thanks again
L

 

[lisilou]

Ofcom states that if you sell your previously licensed vessel then you are obliged to surrender the licence. That would explain the missing paperwork then. So...if I apply for a new one, I assume then I will be issued with a new MMSI and call sign rendering the existing one nul and void yes? Don't want to wait til they open tomoro really so I'm asking you all now.
Ta
Lisa

 

[rbcoomer]

You can't usually reprogram an MMSI into the set - it is supposed to be linked permanently to the boat as far as I'm aware. If you have the MMSI and/or callsign, I think they will simply update the records and issue a new certificate in your name. Group/club MMSI numbers can be reprogrammed and indeed entered into more than one set so you can do a 'group broadcast', but I think the primary one is a once only thing unless you take the radio back to be reset! I'm not sure about the Callsign, but IIRC the same is true - I think it reduces chances of confusion as when the MMSI comes up, the coastguard know they are looking for a 30' sportscruiser or a freighter. I found Ofcom very helpful and efficient for a government department and I think the certificate was free!

 

[lisilou]

Thanks RB
L

 

[rbcoomer]

Thanks RB
L

You're welcome

It seemed quite strange to me when I did mine as my partner is a radio amateur and they are assigned a 'callsign' for life - irrespective of what radio set, band etc. That said, I can see the merits of being able to identify a vessel by it's callsign. I have a group MMSI for the SWFBR and that's slightly different again, but as I said above they are very helpful so don't be put off.

Best regards,

Robin

 

[P4Paul]

When we bought our last yacht we were in the same position as you and didn't have all the information in the paperwork.

I managed to sort it all out via a search on the original name in the MARS database which in turn gave me the call sign and MMSI number which was the information required to apply for a new licence online.

I used the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - G as the administrations/geographical area

Hope it helps.

 

[rafiki_]

Ofcom states that if you sell your previously licensed vessel then you are obliged to surrender the licence. That would explain the missing paperwork then. So...if I apply for a new one, I assume then I will be issued with a new MMSI and call sign rendering the existing one nul and void yes? Don't want to wait til they open tomoro really so I'm asking you all now.
Ta
Lisa

You are best re-registering the VHF under your name, retaining the MMSI, as it is very difficult to re-programme. OfCom should have the correct MMSI if you can give them the name and address of the previous owner and the name of the boat when you bought her. You should have this with the documentation you were given when you bought the boat. I did this with Rafiki's VHF.

 

[lisilou]

Done it online just now. Sorted the wheat from the chaife (??) in the info and all done and dusted now. I was worried about duplicating an existing licence but really no issue...retained the MMSI and Call Sign just new licence number in the new boat name. All I've gotta do now is print it off... Yay!!
Thanks for all your help, I like to double check with you lot first before I go bounding in feet first.
Lisa

 

[Bilgediver]

Ofcom states that if you sell your previously licensed vessel then you are obliged to surrender the licence. That would explain the missing paperwork then. So...if I apply for a new one, I assume then I will be issued with a new MMSI and call sign rendering the existing one nul and void yes? Don't want to wait til they open tomoro really so I'm asking you all now.
Ta
Lisa

NO!!!! The MMSI and call sign stay with the boat and the Radio should already be programmed so long as the owner left it! You have to relicense in your name and should only need the call sign which should be displayed on the boat. If Part 1 registered the call sign is on the certificate. This should also be surrendered to Cardiff for change of ownership