Any person wishing to operate a marine vhf dsc radio must have a valid samsa dsc operators licenseticket. How much does a mmsi radio license and ais number cost. Channel 70 is the dedicated channel for dsc on your vhf radio. A maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a series of nine digits which are sent in digital form over a radio. As you complete the online process, i would suggest that you print out all your registration information so that youll have a. On the mmsi application amsa asks for a copy of your marine radio operator. Oct 18, 2017 dscvhf radio and automatic identification system ais. Access to additional training material and resources related to. For more information about the advantages of dsc, visit icom where.
Gps not intended for dedicated use on a particular ship e. You also need to update your emergency info as changes happen. A dsc touch screen control panel showing a simulated distress message. These identities are formed in such a way that the identity or part thereof can be used by. While both use the vessels same mmsi number when it comes to registration, dscvhf radio and automatic identification system ais do not share any other relationship, and each has a completely different process to follow when buying and selling a boat, or potentially when changing a. A vhf licence will allow you to apply for an mmsi number for your vessel. How to obtain your free maritime mobile service identity mmsi number. If you do not already hold a licence you can apply on our online portal. To get it you need to complete a two day short range certificate course at an accredited samsa institution. Dscvhf radio and automatic identification system ais. An mmsi number functions much like a phone number and allows boaters with dsc vhf radios to make a touchofabutton emergency call that automatically. A radio licence and an mmsi number is essential for everyone wishing to be safe on the water. These mmsi numbers are issued by the appropriate authorities in the country of registration of the vessel and can be referenced back to a database of information about the.
Fcc regulations for portable vhf marine radios moderated. By using a vhf radio with digital select calling dsc capability, you increase your safety dramatically by. Maritime identification number mmsi for maritime radio equipment, including handheld vhf. Coast guards national distress database for use in emergency situations. Ais automatic identification system inmarsat telephone system. A two wire connection to your gps nmea in and out 5. Ship radio stations federal communications commission. By international agreement, the itu sets the rules that determine how mmsi numbers are assigned and used. An mmsi number programmed into your radio will allow the dsc function to be used in an emergency. There is a way to keep the mmsi number used by the previous owner so that you do not have to reprogram all the devices that use the mmsi ais, vhf, and hf radios may use mmsi. New mmsi numbering scheme for handheld vhf with dsc and gps. Dscvhf radios require the implementation of a new system of identification called the maritime mobile service identity mmsi numbers in order to take advantage of their full capabilities an mmsi number functions much like a phone. Sue fletchers straightforward explanations and tips describe the leisure craft vhf dsc radio system in detail and its place within gmdss. Function as a full featured vhf radio dsc vhf radios do not.
Operation guide class d dsc n what is dsc dsc stands for digital selective calling and is a semiautomated method of establishing a radio call. The united states power squadrons is authorized by the federal communications commission. Vhf radio and maritime mobile service identity mmsi. A maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a 9digit number used to identify a ship radio. A free downloaded version of the marine radio handbook andor the vhf radio handbook. Learn what dsc is, and how it can help you in an emergency. One mmsi number is assigned for all applicable vhf electronics on the vessel, such as. Vhf radiotelephone 156162 mhz used for voice communications with other ships and coast stations over short distances. If youre renting your boat out for a season to another owneroperator, you should change the mmsi number registration to reflect their contact information. Epirb emergency position indicating repeater beacon ais mob man over board mmsi registration includes contact information to be used in case of an emergency. Obtain a maritime mobile service identity mmsi and enter it into your radio. The following websites provide free registration services to get your unique mmsi for a dsc vhf radio. If your radio can be reprogrammed with a different mmsi number, i would recommend that you get a new one at the us power squadrons for free.
The mmsi allows radio operator to make automatic calls through vhf dsc as well as mfhf dsc radio and is the identity that is automatically transmitted within dsc calls. The mmsi number will also enable your vessel to transmit via ais. If you sell your dscequipped radio or ais or the boat these devices are mounted on, you must cancel your mmsi registration and should inform the new owner of. Atis identification numbers relate to a ship, while the mmsi of hand held vhf dsc relates to the individual piece of equipment. The mmsi allows radio operator to make automatic calls through vhf dsc as well as mfhf dsc radio and is the identity that is automatically transmitted within dsc calls these mmsi numbers are issued by the appropriate authorities in the country of registration of the vessel and can be. If you hold an existing ship radio or ship portable radio licence you will need to amend your licence and add the relevant pieces of equipment. If youre a us boater and plan on traveling to or communicating with a foreign port, you can get an mmsi number by applying for a ship station license through the federal communications commission fcc. Similar to a cell phone number, your mmsi number is your unique calling number for dsc radios or an ais unit.
The use of a simple vhf radio is a good start, but with advances in technology over the years, enhancements such as dsc make the vhf an even more powerful means of communication. Adding gps capability to your dscequipped vhf radio. I have read alot either in this forum or elsewhere, about getting an mmsi number for handheld vhfs with dsc, with alot of uncertainty as to whether it was possible. Every fixed mount vhf radio manufactured after 1999 has digital selective calling dsc capability. Mmsi maritime mobile service identity a maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a unique 9 digit number and acts in the same way as a telephone number. Select a name from the address book of someone you want to call, each name has a corresponding mmsi number.
In addition to the vhf, there are other electronic devices that aid in. Aug 28, 2015 fixed mount dscvhf marine radio pretty much every vhf marine radio built in the past number of years comes equipped with digital selective calling dsc capability. I have a garmin vhf 100 and want to remove it and replace. Also, if you register for and receive a mmsi through this web site, then obtain a ship station license later, yhe mmsi on that license becomes the governing number. Learn the importance of dsc equipped vhf radios and how to register your mmsi number. Learn the importance of dscequipped vhf radios and how to register your mmsi number. It is a core part of the global maritime distress safety system gmdss. Fixed mount dscvhf marine radio pretty much every vhf marine radio built in the past number of years comes equipped with digital selective calling dsc capability.
The united states power squadrons is authorized by the federal communications commission and the us coast guard to issue mmsis to us. The current function of a soft key is shown in 4 soft keys the display next to the soft key. Vhfdsc has the same range as ordinary vhf as well as the same power restrictions, but it is more efficient than ordinary vhf. An mmsi number is a 9digit code issued by the host country agency for use in vhf marine radio equipment. Handheld vhf with dsc and mmsi number the uk rivers.
Applicants should register, apply for and print their ship radio or. Guidance for ship station license danish maritime authority. In this book youll pick up the following key points. Dsc is used in vhf radios to automatically digitally rather than through voice call up another dsc radio using an mmsi number. New mmsi numbering scheme for handheld vhf with dsc and gps by knut on jan 10, 20 at 4. Given a choice between a dsc distress call and a ptt mayday, i know which i would prefer to be doing. These identities are formed in such a way that the identity or part thereof can be used by telephone and telex subscribers connected to the. A maritime mobile service identity mmsi number is now issued to all new ship radio and ship portable radio licences. Why you need a maritime mobile service identity mmsi, and how to apply. The danish maritime authority issues maritime identification.
Only the vessel being called will receive the hail. Every telephone needs a phone number so that it can be called. Jun 24, 2019 to reap the benefits of rescue 21 and dsc technology, mariners must. In order to take advantage of your dscvhf radio, you will need 5 things. New mmsi numbering scheme for handheld vhf with dsc and. Dscvhf radioequipped vessels must be registered and issued a maritime mobile service identity mmsi number that is then entered into the radio. Maritime mobile service identity mmsi numbers of other dsc radios can be entered and stored in your radios address book. In summary, what dsc and an mmsi number buys you is. The reeds vhf dsc handbook is a userfriendly guide that gets marine vhf radio users quickly up to speed with both the analogue and digital functions on the radio. Not only will you learn how to use a vhf but youll also find out how the rescue 21 system works and how to use your digital selective calling dsc vhf in an emergency.
The information provided when obtaining a mmsi number is transferred into the u. Jun 03, 20 i know that you put the vhf call sign in a mayday, but when else do you use it. I know that you put the vhf call sign in a mayday, but when else do you use it. An mmsi number functions much like a phone number and allows boaters with dscvhf radios to make a touchofabutton emergency call that automatically. I cant see it anywhere else in the rya book and yes, i have done the course and got my short course licence. The ship portable radio licence is not valid beyond uk territorial sea and we do not issue an international call sign with that licence, so the hand held vhf dsc cannot be used anywhere in continental europe. Unlike a phone number that stays with you when you move across town, a boats mmsi always stays with the boat, so any subsequent owner must update the mmsi number with his or her new contact information. Digital selective calling dsc used with vhf, mf, and hf radio systems to establish communications with call ships or coast stations or to receive calls from other ships or coast stations.
Phone book setup setup pages for radio, hailerfog, system, controller and dsc the functions of the sailor 6215 vhf dsc are accessed and set using the four soft keys to the left of the display. What is a maritime mobile safety identity mmsi number. Firstly appologies if this has already been covered. Make sure you register your dsc equipment and update that information ifwhen you sell your boat. Dsc radios are not just for emergencies, they are also very useful for group communications. When equipped with gps, the dsc signal will also contain the location of the vessel. To reap the benefits of rescue 21 and dsc technology, mariners must. The green and orange buttons both function without an mmsi number because they operate on normal vhf rather than dsc digital selective calling. In addition, a dsc equipped vessel with an mmsi number can make a private hailing call to another dscequipped vessel. To make a digital call each radio must have an identity, a 9.
Handheld vhf with dsc and mmsi number the uk rivers guidebook. Mmsi maritime mobile service identity overview shine micro. Registering your radios with the fcc sailing eurybia. To make a digital call each radio must have an identity, a 9digit maritime mobile service identity mmsi number.
A maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a series of nine digits which are sent in digital form over a radio frequency channel in order to uniquely identify ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations, and group calls. The mmsi allows radio operator to make automatic calls through vhf dsc radio and is the id. If you combine your mmsi radio license registration with a boat registration, we will give you a 100, discount. Ship radio licences guidance notes for licensing ofcom.
Your vhf radio is the single most important piece of safety equipment you can have on board your vessel. The only people getting any credits for the course is. Modern marine radios now feature digital selective calling dsc for routine operations and for automated distress hailing. Mmsi registration with the system upandrunning, the final step in the process would be to register for your mmsi number and program that number into your radio. Coles interviews captain chris kourtakis about digital selective calling dsc, automatic identification systems ais, and automated radio checks arc. In addition to the vhf, there are other electronic devices that aid in the communication with other boaters and the coast guard. Digital selective calling or dsc is a standard for transmitting predefined digital messages via the mediumfrequency mf, highfrequency hf and veryhighfrequency vhf maritime radio systems. A maritime mobile service identity is a unique 9 digit number and acts in the same way as a telephone number. I have just taken a vhf dsc one day operators course here in the uk a requirement to operate maritime vhf. Everything you need to know about handheld dsc radios. If youve recently purchased a new vhf marine radio for your boat, it is probably equipped with a digital selective calling dsc feature that allows selective calling on vhf ch70.
How they work and why registering your devices is important. I have just got a standard horizon hx851e the ce marked version and therefore legal in the uk. Dsc vhf radios require the implementation of a new system of identification called the maritime mobile service identity mmsi numbers in order to take advantage of their full capabilities. Handheld vhf with dsc and mmsi number post by jack sound. Power squadrons or the federal communications commission if your vessel otherwise requires a station license. By using a vhf radio with digital select calling dsc capability, you increase your safety dramatically by taking advantage of enhanced communications options. Enabling your vhf radio safety features west marine. Please read transferring your mmsi from the previous owner rr restricted radiotelephone operator permit. Some of the features one can employ include direct calling an individual station ie. Replied by tve on topic vhf radio mmsi registration as far as i can tell, the tl.
These features can only be used if your radio is programmed with a unique code called a maritime mobile service identity, or mmsi. Also the mmsi number is a right mouthful in a mayday situation. About mmsi registration for vhf radios with dsc boatus. About mmsi registration for vhf radios with dsc your vhf radio is the single most important piece of safety equipment you can have on board your vessel. This interactive video tutorial will help you become more comfortable with your vhf a black fixedmount vhf. Vhf dsc radio mmsi number transport canada ace boater. Not all digital selective calling radios are the same. Maritime mobile service identity mmsi is a unique 9 digit number that is assigned to a digital selective calling dsc radio or an ais unit. For more information about the advantages of dsc, visit icom where theyve posted a number of educational videos. Vhf dsc has the same range as ordinary vhf as well as the same power restrictions, but it is more efficient than ordinary vhf. Take advantage of all these functions without registering for a unique mmsi number, inputting the code, and connecting with gps. Seems the best thing is to do like said above and change the info on the registration.
A knowledge of your dsc radio the gps receiver to ensure a gps is compatible with the dscvhf radio youll need to verify that the. If youve recently purchased a new vhf marine radio for your boat, it is probably equipped with a digital selective calling dsc feature that allows selective calling on vhf ch70 what is the mmsi number on boats. You can view different types of boat registrations on our boat registrations comparison page. This phone number identifies your phone and is unique.
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