VHF operator and ships radio licences, help

[Daydream believer]

Unless your radio is very unusual, you're unlikely to be able to add and remove digits from the MMSI number used for DSC. That is fixed more or less permanently. The number they've given you is to be programmed in as your ATIS number, a facility your set doesn't have, so is pointless. I haven't seen one of these exemption certificates, but I believe it's giving you official permission to have a radio with ATIS (otherwise not allowed in UK, stupidly) which, since you don't have a radio with ATIS, is again pointless.

You're also not supposed to switch to ATIS, if you had it, "when abroad". It's only for the inland waterways system, if you're a coastal boat then you use DSC same as here.

Pete

i have not tried to re programme my VHF but you are correct with my ASI transponder & 2 EPIRBS in that they cannot be re programmed by me so I expect radio is the same
The instruction from OFCOM is to add a digit ( 9) to the front of the MMSI No. UK does not issue dedicated ATIS numbers

 

[Jeepster]

???...Are MMSI numbers different to ATIS numbers, or the same thing? Also, I have just bought a Cobra F55W EU with DSC and I am trying to find where I can get an MMSI number for it...Any ideas?

 

[VicS]

???...Are MMSI numbers different to ATIS numbers, or the same thing? Also, I have just bought a Cobra F55W EU with DSC and I am trying to find where I can get an MMSI number for it...Any ideas?

The MMSI number will be issued automatically by OFCOM when you apply for a ships' radio licence or add a DSC radio to an existing licence ( free if done on line)

http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/ships-radio/

See also http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/ships-radio/faq/atis-faq/ where ATIS numbering is explained

Of com are generally very helpful when you phone them if you are having any difficulties

 

[Jeepster]

I already have a ships radio license, but when I first applied for it a few years ago the only marine radio equipment have had till I bought the Cobra was a non-DSC Icom IC-M31 handheld VHF, so I wasn't issued with a an MMSI number. A few days ago I amended my license details and added the Cobra to my list of Marine radio equipment on the Ofcom website...Does this mean they will now automatically send me an MMSI number in the post? Or perhaps by email? I tried emailing them about it but have not received a reply.

 

[VicS]

I already have a ships radio license, but when I first applied for it a few years ago the only marine radio equipment have had till I bought the Cobra was a non-DSC Icom IC-M31 handheld VHF, so I wasn't issued with a an MMSI number. A few days ago I amended my license details and added the Cobra to my list of Marine radio equipment on the Ofcom website...Does this mean they will now automatically send me an MMSI number in the post? Or perhaps by email? I tried emailing them about it but have not received a reply.

When you do the on line thing you print the licence yourself once complete or amended.

You should now be able to print yourself a new licence complete with MMSI number AFAIK.

They are always helpful on the phone so give them a ring if you have any difficulties.