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Old 18-05-2009, 16:48   #1
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MMSI Number & Change in Boat Ownership

I am in the process of buying a used boat that has an MMSI number which is programmed into its VHF and HF SSB radios. When the boat ownership changes hands, and when I get a new station license in my name for the SSB, will the MMSI number remain the same, or do I have to get another unique number linked to my name and boat?
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Old 18-05-2009, 17:24   #2
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I believe you will be issue a new number. For more information check out the FAQ's here MMSI Registration for VHF/DSC
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Old 18-05-2009, 17:32   #3
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The number remains the same but you need to file an update for your user information.

Eric
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Old 18-05-2009, 17:36   #4
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The number remains the same but you need to file an update for your user information.
The same applies in New Zealand, except that I think there is a provision for the previous owner to trasfer their callsign and MMSI to their replacement vessel.
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Old 18-05-2009, 17:46   #5
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Yes, I think that the previous owner must "release" the number before it can be reassigned to you. If thats not possible, then you'll need to get a new number and then you run into the dilema of being able to program it into the radios. Some radios will only allow the number to be programmed once or twice. If it won't let you program it, you'll have to take it to a dealer that can do it with field programming software, or return it to the manufacture to have it done.

Eric
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Old 18-05-2009, 20:15   #6
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Looking through the FCC and USCG sites I haven't been able to find any information on releasing or transferring an MMSI number. Hmmm.
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Old 18-05-2009, 21:44   #7
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Looking through the FCC and USCG sites I haven't been able to find any information on releasing or transferring an MMSI number. Hmmm.
Might be time to give the relevant authority a call.
(Your yacht broker may also know how it works / forms required / etc.)
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Old 19-05-2009, 01:21   #8
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those radio's needs to be reprogrammed at your dealer if you want to change the MMSI number.

it's just basically an eprom who you reprogram like you change your imei code of your mobile phone.
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Old 19-05-2009, 06:39   #9
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The manual for your particular VHF should tell how many times you can reprogram the MMSI yourself before it locks itself.
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Old 19-05-2009, 11:14   #10
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You might be able to access the service menu of your VHF also by yourself. That typically requires a special sequence of keys to be pressed. After that, you should be able to reprogram your MMSI number by yourself without any limitations. I know how to do that with a Silva VHF/DSC-D w/Navtex, however, I do not know the sequence for other makes or models. To be able to toggle between US/UK/Canadian/international channel sets, my VHF came with the information how to access the menu.

Should you not know how to enter the menu, and should your dealer not release the information for you, it is anyway a very fast process at the dealer's. Takes literally only a minute to do.
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Old 19-05-2009, 13:30   #11
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As others have said, you can reprogram MMSI's in many radios, but often only a small number of times. Capacity to reset the MMSI will vary between brands. E.g. an extract clipped from my Uniden Oceanus manual:

Note:
You can only program your radio
twice with an MMSI number. After
that, send your radio to Uniden for

factory service.
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Old 19-05-2009, 14:17   #12
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I found this tidbit of info while searching for info on this;

"Boat/US’s Kristin Loyd, at 800-563-1536. Once the previous owner has released the old MMSI number, she can have that number reassigned to you"

The info was from an article written in May 07 so I don't know if the number or person is correct anymore.

Eric
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Old 19-05-2009, 14:44   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fairbank56 View Post
I found this tidbit of info while searching for info on this;

"Boat/US’s Kristin Loyd, at 800-563-1536. Once the previous owner has released the old MMSI number, she can have that number reassigned to you"

The info was from an article written in May 07 so I don't know if the number or person is correct anymore.

Eric
The only problem is that Boat/US does not handle MMSI numbers for equipment to be used in foreign waters. I've sent a query to the FCC, so we will see how the gears of government respond.
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Old 20-05-2009, 05:59   #14
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in the netherlands you keep the mmsi number in the vhf radio and you just change the name / new owner. this can be done to send a change form with both the 'old' & 'new' owner signatures. easy and quick.
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Old 23-05-2009, 02:04   #15
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Very easy to transfer the MMSI number in Canada too. Just fill in and email a PDF or word processor form. Industry Canada: Industry Canada / Industrie Canada. Helpful folks if any questions.
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