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GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder Owner’s Manual 103
APPENDIX > WHAT IS MMSI?
What is Maritime Mobile Service Identity
(MMSI)?
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) basically allows a VHF
radio to act like a phone. In order to make a “call” on a phone,
you first need a phone number to dial. The 9 digit MMSI number
acts like a phone number when used in a Position Report and as a
unique identifier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency
Distress Call. In order to obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity
(MMSI) number, users must register their VHF radio with the FCC
(Form 605). Garmin does not supply this number.
How are MMSI Assignments Obtained?
Non-commercial users (for example, recreational users who remain
in domestic waters and only carry VHF, EPIRB (Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and Radar) are not required to
have a FCC ship station license. The FCC and Coast Guard have
authorized some second and third party vendors to assign MMSI
numbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vessels
only. To receive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSI
number, contact: http://www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm or
http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.
U.S Non-Federal User: Commercial users, or those who travel
outside the U.S. or Canada, must apply for a ship station license, or
an amendment to a ship station license. To find out if you require
a Ship Station license contact: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/
fctsht14.html. If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC you
obtain a MMSI during the application/licensing process when you
file FCC Forms 159 and 605.
U.S. Federal User: Federal users can obtain MMSI assignments
from their agency radio spectrum management office. These
procedures are currently under review by the NTIA (National
Telecommunications and Information Administration).
Outside the U.S.: Users can obtain an MMSI assignment from their
telecommunications authority or ship registry, often by obtaining or
amending their ship station license.
In Canada: Industry Canada is responsible for assigning MMSI
numbers to commercial and recreational vessels. Information is
available at the following web site: http://apollo.ic.gc.ca/english/
mmsi.html.
For information regarding MMSI’s visit:
http://www.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm.