Where to get ownership details of current MMSI

[suiramor]

Is there a way to take over an MMSI number when its current ownership expires?

I bought my sailboat a few years ago. She came with an existing VHF transceiver with pre-programmed MMSI. The previous owner told the agent who facilitated the sale that he is not interested in helping me to have this MMSI transferred to my ownership. At that time I located at some website when the ownership of that code does expire. I cannot find it anymore. Does anyone know whether it is possible at the expiry of the current ownership of an MMSI to have it allocated to me (saves me removing the radio and having it assigned to a new code).

[suiramor]

Sorry, found it as soon as I posted this (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/Uls...rchLicense.jsp). The MMSI is currently listed as canceled, still owned by the previous owner and expiring in 2025. I assume that means I need a new number since the current owner is not open to transferring it. Is that correct?

[goboatingnow]

Certainly on this side of the pond you can transfer owner details by simple application and agreement of the old and new owners

[Bobby Lex]

Originally Posted by suiramor

Sorry, found it as soon as I posted this (https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/Uls...rchLicense.jsp). The MMSI is currently listed as canceled, still owned by the previous owner and expiring in 2025. I assume that means I need a new number since the current owner is not open to transferring it. Is that correct?

NOT true. If the MMSI is "cancelled" the previous owner does not own it. No one owns it.

The FCC online form that you fill out to get your ship's station license has a box for you to fill in the specific MMSI number that you want. FCC checks to make sure that number is available and was previously linked to your boat, and if so, they will issue your new license with the MMSI# you requested.

The new ship's station license will be under your name, will have your boat's new name (if you requested a new name in your application), will have your new call sign, and will have the boat's former MMSI#.

How do I know this? I just did this very thing a month ago for a boat I recently bought. The only thing that was a bit different from your situation is that the former owner cooperatively filled out a form with the FCC voluntarily canceling ("canceling" not "transferring") his ship's station license. The FCC told me that this method was actually quicker than doing a transfer. Less steps, and less time.

I received my new ship's station license and existing MMSI# within 48 hours of filling out the online application.

Good luck!
Bob

[suiramor]

Thanks Bobby. I braved through the application and indeed I was able to provide the existing number. Thanks!