Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 10-01-2010, 18:04   #1
Registered User
 
SvenG's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: East Coast
Boat: 382 Diesel Duck
Posts: 1,176
MMSI Number for AIS with Future Foreign Travels ?

The instructions that came with our AIS class B transceiver states that we can get an MMSI number from boatus. Later in the instructions it says if our travels take us to foreign ports we must first obtain a ship station license and get the MMSI number from the FCC.

Since the AIS registration is a one-shot deal do I read the instructions correctly; we'll have to go the FCC route even if we don't expect to visit any foreign ports in the near future ?

Thanks,


-Sven
__________________
Shiplet
2007 Diesel Duck 382
SvenG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2010, 19:26   #2
Eternal Member

Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,046
Images: 4
Sven,

There are two types of MMSI numbers. Those issued by BoatUS and other private entities will work in the US, but they are not entered into the international database. If you go abroad, you must obtain BOTH a station license for your boat, and an operator's license for every person who is to operate transmitting equipment (like an SSB).

IMHO, they've really confused things. What could have been very simple has been made quite complicated.

What to do?

If you contemplate EVER going abroad...even to Canada or the Bahamas...or if you contemplate talking to a non-US vessel while still in US waters....then, I'd suggest you go directly for the station license and operators license. They will issue you a MMSI number at the same time. If you do this, be sure to check all the boxes for types of equipment, even if you don't have it aboard. This will ensure that you don't have to make another application later (and pay the healty fee). I believe the cost is around $140.

The FCC-issued MMSI number can then be entered into your VHF. Many VHF radios allow you to enter a MMSI number only twice...so if you were to have one issued by Boat US, then had to change that to enter one issued by the FCC, and you made a mistake, you'd have to send the radio back to a dealer or the factory. A real pain in the butt and stupid, stupid, stupid public policy IMO.

The station license and operators license will then allow you to use any type of transmitting equipment aboard anywhere in the world....VHF, HF/SSB, radar, AIS, EPIRB, satellite, etc., etc.

Bill
btrayfors is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2010, 20:34   #3
Registered User
 
SvenG's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: East Coast
Boat: 382 Diesel Duck
Posts: 1,176
Thanks Bill, I think that was the info I needed.


-Sven
__________________
Shiplet
2007 Diesel Duck 382
SvenG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2010, 06:38   #4
Registered User
 
Pa La O La's Avatar

Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 106
Images: 24
Send a message via Yahoo to Pa La O La
I am waiting for my ships license and restricted operator’s license from the FCC. It is posted on the ULC so I can use the radio if I choose. The Station license is $160 now and the restricted operator’s license is $60. The station is good for ten years but the restricted operators are good for life. Yea - OUCH!!
http://www.fcc.gov/licensing.html -to get you started the click on Universal Licensing System (ULS) just use the NEW USER button and that will take you to get your FRN. You’ll need to get an FRN number (no cost involved), just a fill in the blanks type thing. They you are off to the races.
Good luck.
Gary
__________________
Ain't No reset button, better make this one count !
Pa La O La is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2010, 07:08   #5
Registered User
 
SvenG's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: East Coast
Boat: 382 Diesel Duck
Posts: 1,176
Thanks Gary.

I sure agree with Bill that it seems more complicated than it needs to be but I think we'll muddle through with the advice here.


-Sven
__________________
Shiplet
2007 Diesel Duck 382
SvenG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13-01-2010, 22:38   #6
Registered User
 
SvenG's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: East Coast
Boat: 382 Diesel Duck
Posts: 1,176
Thanks.

I and the admiral got the FRN and then the restricted licenses according to the ULS licensing site. I also filled out the Ship Station form and paid for that but assume that takes a bit longer to process.

If it hadn't been for your help it would have been a complete mystery to us so we're very grateful for your insights.

Once we have the MMSI we ship the AIS transceiver to the programmer folks and we'll be ready for off-shore use.


-Sven
__________________
Shiplet
2007 Diesel Duck 382
SvenG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-01-2010, 02:24   #7
Registered User
 
Zanshin's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Caribbean
Boat: Jeanneau 57
Posts: 2,265
Images: 2
SvenG - (slight thread drift/theft here). I have a Class B transponder now and absolutely love the system. Not only do I see lots of targets on crossings that my radar and eyeballs don't pick up but I also know that they will see me. I have a DSC radio aboard and even got my first DSC call from a "bigun" that saw me on their AIS display! AIS was also fun to use as a "who's who" directory of big yachts in the various anchorages
Zanshin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-01-2010, 07:08   #8
Registered User
 
Pa La O La's Avatar

Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 106
Images: 24
Send a message via Yahoo to Pa La O La
It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to show up in the system. You can look in the ULS using your FRN # and see you license grant and your MMSI number. You don’t have to wait till they mail it. You can operate after it shows up on the list as well. ASI is our next on the wish list. Good luck.
Gary
__________________
Ain't No reset button, better make this one count !
Pa La O La is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
ais

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
MMSI Number & Change in Boat Ownership SoonerSailor Marine Electronics 17 05-08-2017 23:41
Travels in the PNW delmarrey General Sailing Forum 45 26-07-2010 22:34
Multiple or Unilateral MMSI dshkipin Marine Electronics 4 07-12-2009 08:10
How Do You Log Your Travels? RandyAbernethy Sailor Logs & Cruising Plans 37 17-01-2009 12:24
DSC marine VHF & MMSI? Tropic Cat Marine Electronics 6 11-12-2007 16:48

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:33.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.