As you may know, BoatUS is issuing MMSI numbers, online, for free. Boaters with DSC-enabled VHF radios, like me, are signing up and programming them into our radios, and it’s all great.
Well, it’s great until you learn that if you intend to cruise outside US waters (I do), then you are officially required to register with the FCC. My BoatUS MMSI number is not technically legal to use outside the US. And since my Raymarine radio’s MMSI number can’t be reprogrammed without dismounting the unit and sending it back to Raymarine, I have a strong incentive to just leave it all as is, go cruising, and hope for the best.
See, I can get by fine without using DSC for routine radio communication. I probably won’t have to send a DSC distress signal while I’m in Canada, and if I do, a minor rules violation will be the least of my concerns. So why bother worrying about it at all?
I know, it’s a lazy attitude, but that’s the way I feel. And I’m not alone.
Still, BoatUS is trying to do right by their constituents, and I applaud them for it. Here’s the text of an email I received recently:
October 18, 2007
Dear BoatUS MMSI Registrant,
Did you know that you have to change your MMSI number if you want to cruise internationally?
Due to a glitch in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing system, your MMSI issued by BoatUS is seen as “invalid” when you choose later to obtain an FCC radio license. BoatUS is trying to fix this problem. In response to a recent FCC Public Notice, we are writing to ask you to tell the FCC to fix their system so boaters can avoid this unneeded inconvenience and cost. Comments are due by November 13, 2007.
Background:
Even though the MMSI VHF radio numbers issued by BoatUS come from the FCC, the FCC’s radio licensing system does not accept our MMSI numbers (or those issued by any other private entity) back into their database. This problem occurs when a boater who obtained a number from BoatUS, intended for those boating only on U.S. waters and not needing a license, later decides to cruise to foreign ports and applies for an FCC Ship Station License, as currently required. The BoatUS MMSI numbers are rejected by the FCC, forcing the boater to (1) obtain a new MMSI number from the FCC and (2) go to the trouble and expense of getting their DSC radio reprogrammed with the new number. This often requires sending the radio back to the manufacturer or a service agency with fees.
In May, a petition was filed with the FCC to correct this problem by the National GMDSS Implementation Task Force, of which BoatUS is a member.
Current Situation:
The FCC just released a Public Notice on this petition seeking comments from vessel operators on the inconvenience and cost of embedding new MMSI numbers in DSC VHF marine radios. This notice outlines the request, as well as the comment period which ends 11/13/07.
Click here to read the notice: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-4212A1.doc
BoatUS Stance:
BoatUS supports streamlining this system, so that boat operators can easily continue to use their MMSI number when they decide to travel internationally, and privately issued numbers are as trouble-free as those issued by the FCC.
What You Can Do:
Please let the FCC know:
That you want this problem fixed so that privately issued MMSI numbers are “portable,” the same policy granted to cell phone users.
If you have had your own experience trying to use your MMSI number when applying for an FCC license, please include details, especially if there were costs involved in re-programming your radio.
As more people retire and decide to go cruising, this problem is very likely to get worse. The time to correct it is now.
The integrity of the U.S. Coast Guard’s search and rescue system depends upon boaters properly registering their radios. Any unnecessary problems in doing so will deter people from registering or obtaining a license from the FCC.
You can send your comments via email, using the FCC’s designated form. Send an e-mail to ecfs@FCC.gov with the words “get form” in the message. A reply e-mail with form and instructions will be sent to you. Remember that comments are due no later than 11/13/07. When you write, refer to the docket number: WT 07-230. All comments will be available for public inspection.
Please share this information with your cruising friends and clubs. We look forward to working together to make boating safer and to streamline compliance with government regulations.
Sincerely,
Margaret Podlich - BoatUS Government Affairs
Elaine Dickinson - BoatUS and member of GMDSS Task Force
GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
9 responses so far ↓
Richard Rodriguez // Oct 26, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I agree Tim. I have a Boat US issued MMSI ID. The crux of the matter is that we can not (by FCC regs) transmit in a foreign country without a station ID, so those Boat US issued one’s don’t meet the letter of the reg.
The FCC also says in the event of an emergency you may use any frequency.
The argument about the use of non licensed US VHF’s is academic, as Canada doesn’t require a VHF license for pleasure boaters and the FCC can not come to Canada for enforcement. You’d need to make an intentional transmission from US waters to a Canadian station to be in and have your position DF’d. While possible - it’s not likely.
The FCC and CG have better things to do (& more revenue to earn) than chase recreational boaters on the boarder.
As a Ham, I can remember the days of active monitoring by the FCC, and regular enforcement.
If they could only get the NSA involved, then I know the bad (boating) guys would run and hide.
Enough of my diatribe.
Elaine Dickinson, BoatUS // Oct 29, 2007 at 4:41 am
Just to clarify things a bit: the only “legalities” involved would be a vessel broadcasting over VHF in a foreign port without an FCC license. You are supposed to be licensed when using the radio in a foreign port. When you license with the FCC you can request a new MMSI from them, or hopefully, retain the one you have if you got it from one of their approved service-providers for US boaters, such as BoatUS, Sea Tow, Maritel and now, I believe U.S. Power Squadrons.
This numbers problem is purely administrative and only occurs when a boater tries to fill out the FCC’s online license application. Because of the sequencing of numbers issued, the web site kicks back the domestic MMSi. But I have advised a number of people to simply call the FCC at their service center, 1-888-Call-FCC (1-888-225-5322) and fill out the application manually.
An MMSI issued by BoatUS is valid anywhere. The main difference for those who go cruising internationally is that domestic numbers go into the Coasst Guard’s SAR database and the FCC’s numbers go into an international database. This still does not mean anyone issuing a distress call will not be assisted. In fact, I’d say it’s just as important to have your DSC radio connected to your GPS for faster location in an emergency.
We did not wish to alarm anyone unnecessarily about the numbers problem but have been trying for a long time to get the FCC’s programming system fixed and saw an opportunity (finally) with this public notice and request for comments. Our notice only went out to those who were issued an MMSI from us as they would most likely have an interest.
The reason we started issuing MMSIs back in 2000 was to alleviate the need for domestic boaters to pay $250 for an FCC license just to get an MMSI. That was the direction both the USCG and FCC were heading in.
In the meantime the GMDSS task force is working to get the Bahamas and Canada exempted as “international” for FCC licensing. As mentioned above, Canada is not enforcing any U.S. radio rules.
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[...] I’ve encountered with Group MMSIs isn’t all that far-fetched when you consider the current confusion about individual MMSIs discussed here last week. addthis_url = [...]
Baja Breeze // Jun 5, 2008 at 12:53 pm
With regards to sailing outside of US waters with a non FCC issued MMSI, the Canadian Coast Guard may experience significant delays in responding and verifying the legitimacy of your distress call if it is received incomplete and you don’t also issue the required radio telephony voice distress call in addition to the DSC alert. This delay could mean the matter of your life, is the small charge for the FCC license worth the risk?
Baja Breeze // Jun 5, 2008 at 12:54 pm
PS, the Canadian Coast Guard does not have access to NON FCC issued MMSI databases.
Alejandro // Aug 13, 2008 at 5:18 pm
$250 is not a small charge for the FCC licencing, it is a robbery!!
And, yes, as you say, I will probably go ahead and let myself be robbed hoping that that makes my trips safer… Of course I have no way to know how much safety if any I am buying with those $250. This damn bureaucracy is a drain!
R. Growler // Sep 12, 2008 at 1:50 pm
(Yes, It’s actually my name.. Blame my parents.)
I have the one of the lousy jobs where I have to actually make heads and tails of the MMSI#’s coming trough on AIS, DSC or shouted trough the air. There have been times when I wanted to strangle the ones responsible for issuing MMSI numbers _not_ recognized by the rest of the world. Now why on earth would anyone do this. The system was made for a reason! A vessel that would need one may leave US waters at some point. I have vitnessed conflicting numbers being sent over DSC and watched the confusion resulting from it.. You know, most people in the rescue business _really_ want to rescue people in need. It really helps to know what you are dealing with. It does not help that our databases says that the vessel in need is actually anchored in Rotterdam undergoing repairs. That is when you have to compare MMSI (and garbled callsigns), shipname, AIS history and IMOnumbers just to be able to know what is going on.. $250 may be much, but do you really need the delay?
-RG.
R. Growler // Sep 12, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Oh, btw.. I have never seen US ships in that kind of pickle. So I’m just advocating a less uscentric view (You are the only ones doing this.. legally). I have however seen a lot of South american ships in this jam..
Just to clarify.
-RG.
ivan // Sep 25, 2008 at 11:38 am
hey! i can help you, im work like a marine technician, so if you say me wich model of vhf you have, i can tell you how to replace the mmsi
=)
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