While on the subject of Spectrum Licensing

Gargleblaster

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16 Dec 2003
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In 2006, I registered all my radio devices with my then boat. Unfortunately since then through lack of use while I was off sailing for eight months in 2011, my then email address disappeared as the provider Freeserve [Wanadoo] were trying to get rid of unused accounts. Unfortunately when I try to update my details now, Ofcom won't recognize me without me being able to receive an email at my old email address.
The problem has been compounded by the fact that I had one of the faulty GME EPIRBs which were subject to replacement. My previous EPIRB was UK registered, however it was convenient for me to swap my old EPIRB for a new one at the Factory in Australia rather than send it back to the agent in the UK who wanted extraordinary amounts of money as I had had it serviced in Brazil not at their facility.
I now have an unregistered EPIRB that hopefully will work, if I ever have to press the button. However if I ever do press the button, I assume no one will have any idea what they are looking for, although me in life raft might be a clue.
Any ideas as to how I can register my new EPIRB against my boat? Both of them are currently located in the UK, although the boat is in the Medway and the EPIRB is in my utility room in Buckinghamshire. I did receive a letter from the MCA while I was away in the Southern Ocean in 2013 or 2014 telling me to replace my GME EPIRB as it was unlikely to work. I have thought about writing back to them asking them how I register my new EPIRB without an email address recognised by the Ofcom. Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Unless I am very much mistaken, you can register your EPIRB with the MCA without any OFCOM involvement:

https://forms.dft.gov.uk/mca-sar-epirb/

After all, worst case scenario, it's the CG who will be coming to rescue you and not OFCOM.
Just registered my PLB
Your vessel has a CG66: 85987066 held by Dover. You may already be aware you can update your details online at https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/cg66 If the online version is not working at any point the attached is a blank form (CG66.pdf) to be completed, which can be posted to Falmouth MRCC (as below) or handed in at any local Coastguard Station.

Kit Cracknell




kit.cracknell@mcga.gov.uk


FAO Jim Morrison CG66
Falmouth MRCC
Castle Drive
Pendennis Point
Falmouth
Cornwall
TR11 4WZ

Regards, Kit
UK Distress & Security Beacon Registry
 
That certainly looks like a link that will work, although I only got 50% of the way through when I was prevented by not knowing my MMSI number which I will get off my VHF next time I'm down at the boat. Obviously I had been coming at it from the wrong direction completely.
Having finally opened the new EPIRB to get the new UIN I notice that it is marked for UK registration which is something they must have done in the factory outside Sydney without my knowledge.
Thanks Guapa a brilliant response as usual.
 
Spectrum Licencing were quite helpful when I contacted them when I was trying to update my father in laws license for him. His was also registered against an old dead email address. I did have a few problems as I was trying to do it for someone else, he had asked me to sort it out as he struggles with computers. We did get it sorted though after an exchange of emails. I think there is a contact button on their homepage.
 
Maybe you can find your MMSI number here: http://www.itu.int/online/mms/mars/ship_search.sh
Just enter ships name and/or call sign.
All done now and have even done a new CG66. Thanks again Guapa.
Once again brilliant help from the NTBUFN [Not to be used for Navigation] Forum. I must be the only one who likes the thought of 'Not to be used for Navigation' on the proposed Burgee.
 
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