Surfski Knowledge Base

Question about MMSI # for a new VHF
Brandon Nelson
09/01/14 #16215

Hey gang,
I'm in the process of registering for a new MMSI # for the DSC function on a new VHF. (Enough acronyms for ya?) The application doesn't like my 'Yes' answer that we WILL take the radio out of the USA (into Canada). How did you get around this? Do you just agree to only use it in the USA, then hope or trust it'll still work if you were up north?
Thanks,
B

David Hooper

09/01/14 #16216

Hi Brandon,

I just went through this with our sailboat. The bad news is that if you want to use your radio outside of the US, you can’t use the on-line free registration for the MMSI. You have to do an application through the FCC and it costs ~$160. I just went ahead and paid, because my understanding is that if you have a problem in Canadian waters, your MMSI won’t work otherwise. But if someone knows of a work-around, I’d love to hear about it. The good news is that you only have to do this once.

Good luck!

Dave

Reivers Dustin

09/01/14 #16217

If memory serves I just said USA only. Some DSC features are stuff from base station use - like the fixed mount unit in your yacht. I've carried my radio in Canada, but never used it. I was hoping to try last week since Kathleen P has messed around with hers quite a bit. Her gang up there have used the DSC direct dial features. But it's troublesome to talk and paddle so my interest in that feature is gone. One other thing they've done is to use the locate feature. I've tried it here, but the other person didn't show up on my search. I've got LG, Debbie A's and a few other folks' MMSI.

The locate is pretty cool. In the MMSI menu just ask for position of the user and it supposed to return direction and distant to their radio (if it is on and GPS has locked satellites).

The regular VHF features will work in Canada. The question is whether the Coast Guard “Rescue 21” features will. A problem is that your MMSI is registered to a particular contact. This registration is probably country specific and unlikely to get registration across international borders. I think Canada still requires a radio licesnse for VHF (U.S. has dropped that). So by saying yes, you might be invoking fees and license processing - which you probably don't need. much.

rd

kathleen petereit
09/02/14 #16221

You do need a VHF license up here. Brandon you should be able to still use your vhf for a distress call without the dsc. You would have to give your location manually by speaking. Don't press the red button. You may get a warning ffor not having the license but at least you will be safe. The good thing about the licensing course is that it teaches you how to speak properly so the CG understands your situation. Not as easy as you think.

Sometimes we hear calls from your area. We have a lot of relay stations.

Kathleen

saltspringken
09/02/14 #16223

Hi All,
I live in Canada and spend a fair bit of time paddling in the States. I asked the local Coast Guard what would happen If I used a US registered DSC VHF here and they basically told me that they would come and save my sorry ass. With boats from both countries routinely sailing in both countries waters they will respond to emergency calls as needed. They also said they have little interest in busting people for using a US registered radio for rescue. I guess you have to use your own judgement and decide how closely you want to follow the letter of the law, eh.
Ken