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Jack C · 13-09-2021, 23:29

After fruitless communication with Raymarine support on how to reprogram the MMSI on my inherited AIS650, I "found" a solution.

Raymarine's answer was

"Unfortunately, and based on the information you provided, the best option is for you to send the unit back to Raymarine. Please book a repair service here: https://www.raymarine.com/service-and-support/warranty-repairs-returns/"

I reset the AIS650 to factory default. This allowed me to enter my MMSI number using proAIS2, which is readily available. (the MMSI was now not greyed out)

The resetter program requires a windows computer and the USB micro-B cable. Nothing special. If you can already communicate with your AIS650 via proAIS2 or a terminal emulator the resetter program should work for you.

If you want the resetter program, please PM me. Happy to help. Of course no charge or commercial interest, just want to help those who have an AIS650 with an incorrect MMSI number.

Now I see many posts and notices from Raymarine that it is illegal for the end user/owner to change the MMSI number, especially in the USA. I cannot find any such official law or regulation.

I did find that Raymarine's policy of not providing a way to reset the MMSI when selling MMSI equipment makes it difficult conform to https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtmmsi

Using someone else's MMSI is illegal and unsafe.

See below. Anyway if you do change your MMSI its your responsibility.

"How to Update or Change an MMSI Registration
If your MMSI registration information or contact information changes for any reason, you must update your registration. If you sell your DSC-equipped radio or AIS or the boat these devices are mounted on, you must cancel your MMSI registration and should inform the new owner of the need to reregister the MMSI. This is necessary to ensure that the Coast Guard is able to contact the right persons if a distress situation were ever to occur. These registration changes can be accomplished by contacting the organization or agency which originally registered your MMSI. If you do not know which organization registered your MMSI, you can identify that organization by comparing your existing MMSI against those listed in the document MMSI ship station blocks allocated in the US (updated 16 August 2021)."

**Tupaia** · 16-09-2021, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack C

Now I see many posts and notices from Raymarine that it is illegal for the end user/owner to change the MMSI number, especially in the USA. I cannot find any such official law or regulation.

I did find that Raymarine's policy of not providing a way to reset the MMSI when selling MMSI equipment makes it difficult conform to https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtmmsi

Great stuff on the reset we need more of this. The cretins that sit on committees who come up with these ideas always seem to assume that baddies cannot afford to build, spoof or otherwise fool the system.

As far as I am aware it is not illegal for the end user to change the MMSI number, somewhere in the international guidelines there is a clause that requires supplier or manufacturer intervention.

Some like Raymarine use this as a way of extracting money from end users. I believe Standard Horizon have a system where they give you a one time use reset code for their DSC equipment over the phone, satisfying the supplier intervention clause.

Bradjacki · 29-01-2022, 06:43

Jack my email is morrisbrad at comcast dot net for the google drive files.

Thank you

Brad

lebnene · 10-02-2022, 18:45

Hi,
Is it possible to share the files as well? My email is my user name at gmail.

Thanks a million!

bstreep · 10-02-2022, 20:23

Thanks for posting. We have one as well.

Carmucho · 02-03-2022, 07:08

Dear all,

I need to update the MMSI on a Raymarine AIS 650. If you can help me, i am going to thank you always. Thanks.

Best regards,
Angel

goboatingnow · 02-03-2022, 14:08

just be aware that there was an update to the Raymarine AIS units ( SRT OEM ) which changed the password sequence, teh AIS reset software floating around the Web doesn't work on the units with later firmware, it wouldn't reset mine for example.

( Note the main reason we have this issue is the US objected to user programming of the MMSI )

HeywoodJ · 02-03-2022, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack C

...Now I see many posts and notices from Raymarine that it is illegal for the end user/owner to change the MMSI number, especially in the USA. I cannot find any such official law or regulation...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tupaia

...As far as I am aware it is not illegal for the end user to change the MMSI number, somewhere in the international guidelines there is a clause that requires supplier or manufacturer intervention.

Here you go (posted many times before here on CF) - applies only to USians:

Quote:

The entry of static data into a Class B AIS device shall be performed by the vendor of the device or by an appropriately qualified person in the business of installing marine communications equipment on board vessels. In no event shall the entry of static data into a Class B AIS device be performed by the user of the device or the licensee of a ship station using the device.

47 CFR 80.231

And, yes, MMSI is part of the “static data”, I leave the sourcing of definitive evidence of such to the reader.

No commentary on the sensibility of this law, but there it is since the OP said they couldn’t find it.

**Tupaia** · 03-03-2022, 03:10

Quote:

The entry of static data into a Class B AIS device shall be performed by the vendor of the device or by an appropriately qualified person in the business of installing marine communications equipment on board vessels. In no event shall the entry of static data into a Class B AIS device be performed by the user of the device or the licensee of a ship station using the device.

Just interested.......

So if you buy a new AIS unit in the US does the seller set the MMSI before delivery to the customer?

Just wondering what test must be passed to be "appropriately qualified".

HeywoodJ · 03-03-2022, 06:26

They are supposed to. Along with boat name, length, draft, call sign, and whatever other fields are in the static data.

If you read carefully, even someone “appropriately qualified” isn’t supposed to set the data for their own boat! They have to go find someone else appropriately qualified.

Also note that this only applies to Class B units, Class A units allow user entry (because some of the “static” data changes on ships), but that entry must be password protected.

Khargreaves · 09-03-2022, 08:31

Hello,
I installed the proAIS2 Software and plugged my pc into my AIS 650 and set the baud rate for the com port to 38400. When I start the software and hit the “Connect” button, at the bottom of the window it says it is connected to the proper serial port (com 6 in my case). But none of the data show up on the screen and I do not see a way the ask it to read the data from the AIS. Am I doing something wrong?
I had the MMSI changed by a qualified tech yesterday but I want to change the vessel type.

Halifax Sailor · 10-03-2022, 04:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tupaia

Great stuff on the reset we need more of this. The cretins that sit on committees who come up with these ideas always seem to assume that baddies cannot afford to build, spoof or otherwise fool the system.

As far as I am aware it is not illegal for the end user to change the MMSI number, somewhere in the international guidelines there is a clause that requires supplier or manufacturer intervention.

Some like Raymarine use this as a way of extracting money from end users. I believe Standard Horizon have a system where they give you a one time use reset code for their DSC equipment over the phone, satisfying the supplier intervention clause.

I have been in contact with Standard Horizon many times trying to reset my 1260gx. All they will tell me is to send it back, $50 plus shipping both ways and they may or may not be able to reset it. Who did you talk to?

Khargreaves · 10-03-2022, 05:59

AIS 650 update: I remove power from the unit by unplugging the Power/Data cable and the USB cable from my computer. Waited about 30 seconds then plugged them both back in and the data was there when I started the proAIS2 software and hit the “Connect” button.
Was also able to change my vessel type as well