VHF DCS MMSID - Confused

Take5

Take5

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Just got a new VHF (Navman 7100) with this DSC on. I have wired the radio up but as of yet have not connected it to the plotter.

I am unsure as to what this MMSID number is all about. Is it required if I ever need to use the distress button?

I take it I still use channel 16 but what other "features" do we get with the DSC thing?

Any info greatly appreciated.

THANKS
 
It's the 'telephone number' for your radio, so it can receive messages sent to it.

You obtain it from Ofcom, when you register a DSC set. You need a DSC licence upgrade to operate, so best to go on a vhf to vhf/DSC upgrade course, then all will become a lot more clear
 
If you look here for your boat name or call sign, you'll get your MMSI number. That's what you enter into the radio. If you don't, it will probably remind you every time you turn it on. Without it, you can't make DSC distress calls properly (if at all). As for the rest, you can put mates' MMSI numbers in and use it like a phone memory. If you call them, their set will bleep at them then switch to an agreed working channel. Bit naff, IMO, but that's progress for you.
 
Make sure you input it correctly, and don't just shove any number in (it has been known!). If you do the radio will have to go back and they unlock it again. Care is needed.

It's the only legal requirement in this country when skippering a boat with a radio in that you have to do the once day course and get ther certificate.
T
 
Thanks to you all for the info. Spose I better get booked onto a course then. Can I jump direct to vhf/dsc as I haven't done the vhf course yet.

p.s It's going on my new boat (not Take Five) which as of yet we haven't named. Is there something I am suppose to do to register a name? Im still a noobie.
 
Yup, it's just one course these days.

For a small boat, you can register it on the "Part III" register and get an SSR number (Small Ships Register number?). Doesn't cost much (£25) . You can do it online HERE.

dv.
 
Yes its really worth going to that VHF/DSC course, you get to learn a lot, impossible to explain all that in a few posts here.
And especially if you have a VHF/DSC unit on your boat, it will give you a lot more safety when you know what can be done with it and how to use it properly.
 
Yep, I am deffo going to do the course (been meaning to do it for ages if truth be known).

Thanks again for the advice.
 
The only 'thing' You need to rehearse prior to the Course.
Is 'Fonetics'
Is --- I Spell.
Tango Alpha Killo Echo Five .
' I Spell.'
Is sometimes the request the Coastgaurd will ask You to indentify Your vessel.
Ie.
"Holyhead Coastgaurd, Holyhead Coastgaurd, Holyhead Coastgaurd
This is Little Ship Little Ship Little Ship.
Holyhead this is Little Ship -- Over.
Little Ship, for routine Traffic go channel 84.
Little Ship, Holyhead, -- Over.
Holyhead -- Little Ship, I am making 12 knts
Say again your vessels name.
Little Ship
I spell.

Hactually.
L ima
I ndia
T ango
T ango
L ima
E cho
S ierra
H otel
I ndia
P apa
Little Ship (Holyhead Coastgaurd)
Thanks for that 12 kts?
Piss Off!
Papa India Sierra Sierra Oscar Oscar Foxtrot Foxtrot /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
It's the 'telephone number' for your radio

[/ QUOTE ]It actually identifies the vessel, though.
If for example you're moving a VHF from a boat to another, you should re-code the MMSI accordingly.
 
That's no different to a call sign staying with a vessel. Why tell me? I was just trying to describe in simple terms to an absolute novice.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and better to start simply at first, rather than confuse
 
Well, I just replied to your post as I read it, but 'twas meant as info for Take5 of course.
And I'm pretty sure he's not being confused by my post, he's maybe new to DSC but judging from his post he seems to know what he's talking about.
After all, he wired the radio himself, and he's aware that it should also be connected to the GPS - I take it that he knows why.
Besides, also in order to 'start simply at first', I'd rather define the MMSI as an identification code of the boat, than the telephone number of the radio...
Just my viewpoint of course.
 
Hello,

Kwaka, I have known the phonetic alphabet for years now (prior to boating).

Yes MapisM, I follow you clearly (and you also BrendanS)

THANKS to ALL contributors.
 
[ QUOTE ]

For a small boat, you can register it on the "Part III" register and get an SSR number (Small Ships Register number?). Doesn't cost much (£25) . You can do it online HERE.

dv.


[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Take 5! Remember me? When you first ever posted, I said: "Ask on MOBO, but watch out for a character called Kawasaki...." /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Whatever did I do....

Re: naming - you don't need to register a name anywhere - just decide what you want and paint it on. (You should avoid profanities and VHF 'pro-words' if you want to be able to call it over the VHF, though). Part III is mainly if you want to go into foreign waters where they expect boats to be registered in some way.

VHF course is a PoP if you take the trouble to learn the phonetic alphabet first, and will explain all the MMSI mullarkey.

Andy
 
[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Take 5! Remember me? When you first ever posted, I said: "Ask on MOBO, but watch out for a character called Kawasaki...." /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Whatever did I do?

Drop Me right in it
Yer Twat!
Gawd, Takey is a Full Time Occupation.
But He's good at buying Beer though!
So thanks for that bit.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
He did specifically ask the question "Is there something I am suppose to do to register a name?".

Part III isn't just for going abroad. E.g. if you go on a MBM cruise they expect you to have it even if they stay in the uk - it's a basic proof of nationality if nothing else.

dv.
 
[ QUOTE ]

He did specifically ask the question "Is there something I am suppose to do to register a name?".

Part III isn't just for going abroad. E.g. if you go on a MBM cruise they expect you to have it even if they stay in the uk - it's a basic proof of nationality if nothing else.

dv.

[/ QUOTE ]

Interesting. I was trying to answer T5's original question - I still think that in the first instance the answer is "No".

I didn't think Part III registration 'proved' anything - As far as I can see, one could punch whatever details one wanted to on line, as long as you *claimed* to be a British citizen, and get registration documents. I suppose it would only fall apart if you were other than British, and offered this British registration to foreign authorities.

I can understand the MBM CiC wanting you to have it on the S Coast, because there's always a chance of a planned or un-planed trip to France, but does it have any relevance at all within the UK? (Serious question).

Andy

Edit: The real answer to the real(?) question wrt. the VHF is that the boat name is on the boat's VHF licence which T5 needs to apply for to be given a call sign & MMSI number. Licence should be amended if the boat name subsequently changes. Just for clarity - the boat licence is separate from the operator's licence which T5 needs to get to use the VHF legitimately.
 
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