2 DSC radios with the same MMSI number

[jkindredpdx]

Just went through the registration for DSC last year... The MMSI applies to the boat. If there was an MMSI registered to the Boat by the PO, you submit for a transfer. If not you can get a free number through Boat US if you will only boat in the US, or you register with FCC if you'll leave the country. I registered through the FCC for the Boat, not the radios. I have two working radios with the same MMSI for DSC purposes.

[joehersey]

Website describing MMSI procedures in the USA is hosted by the Coast Guard here: http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtMmsi. Although the International Telecommunications Union has specified a special MMSI format for handhelds, it's not been implemented in the US. You must register it with the ship's MMSI identity.

It is necessary that the registration be accurate. The Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center uses that information if ever the radio's distress button is activated.

[Seeking Solace]

Obtaining MMSIs for DSC-equipped VHF Handhelds

A handheld VHF transceiver with DSC and an integral global navigation satellite system (e.g. GPS) not intended for dedicated use on a particular ship (e.g. a diver’s radio) should be assigned a unique 9-digit number in the format 81M2I3D4X5X6X7X8X9. While currently means do not exist within the U.S. to assign such identities, the Coast Guard has been in discussions with the Federal communications Commission and others on implementing them.

In the interim, VHF handhelds used in the United States should use the MMSI assigned to the ship to which the handheld is primarily associated, even if another radio on that ship uses the same MMSI. Non-commercial users of VHF handhelds not primarily associated with any single ship may use an MMSI provided by an organization such as BOAT US, SEA TOW and U.S. Power Squadron (see above). VHF handhelds should not be used ashore absent FCC or NTIA authorization allowing such use.

There doesn't appear to be a provision for lost or stolen handhelds. There is another thread HERE with more information.

[hellosailor]

"You must register it with the ship's MMSI identity. It is necessary that the registration be accurate." No, and yes. The folks at Nautilus/Lifeline, who sell thousands of "divers" radios, have express instructions for US customers to enter an MMSI application for the radio with specific hints (i.e. Vessel Name = None) and comments that the USCG and other parties can very clearly and easily understand, which let them know they won't be looking for a SHIP or BOAT. The USCG is aware of these issues AND of the kludges being used right now. The problem is, in the US, only the FCC has the power to regulate radio transmitters. And since the USCG isn't willing to pay the FCC to hire staff and write changes and get them pushed into law...even when the ITU recommends something, the FCC will put it on a zero priority basis, until someone has spare time to deal with it. [Translation: "Don't call us, we'll call you."] That's just the reality of politics and budgets. Meanwhile, nobody is complaining because the kludges work.