MMSI change for old radios

[duetto]

I bought an old boat with old radios.

icom ic-m127 VHF
icom ic-m502 VHF
icom ic-m700 SSB
Standard Horizon HX851 handheld VHF.

Their is an FCC MMSI associated with these radios and the previous owner still. I need to get it all changed over to me. From what I understand, the manufacturer needs to be involved with this at some cost. Is it possible with old units? Is it worth it or should I look into new equipment?

Thanks for any replies.

[gonesail]

it might be cheaper to try to use the original mmsi for your boat.

[sailormed]

MMSI is attached to the boat. Change the owners name/address in the database, so CG knows who is contact person for this boat.

[Oohla]

The ICOM M700 does not support DSC and as such will not be heard by USCG. Also does not have VFO. Probably not very useful any longer as a safety device.


KA4WIA much more. Search his postings.

[continuouswave]

Originally Posted by duetto

Their [sic] is an FCC MMSI associated with these radios and the previous owner still. I need to get it all changed over to me.

Since the previous LICENSEE of the SHIP STATION LICENSE issued by the FCC to that boat is no longer the owner of that boat, he is OBLIGATED to inform the FCC of that fact and CANCEL the licenses.

When that has been done, you can obtain the prior MMSI registered to the prior owner by the FCC by registering with a private agency (if you like) or with the FCC. For more advice read this article that is PRECISELY on this topic:

GARMIN: DSC Radio MMSI Reset and other problems - CONTINUOUSWAVE

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by continuouswave

Since the previous LICENSEE of the SHIP STATION LICENSE issued by the FCC to that boat is no longer the owner of that boat, he is OBLIGATED to inform the FCC of that fact and CANCEL the licenses.

When that has been done, you can obtain the prior MMSI registered to the prior owner by the FCC by registering with a private agency (if you like) or with the FCC. For more advice read this article that is PRECISELY on this topic:

GARMIN: DSC Radio MMSI Reset and other problems - CONTINUOUSWAVE

There is no requirement to cancel , the license can be transferred by filling in FCC form 603 , with the signatures of both assigner and assignee

[jjccp]

I refuse to pay Boat US $25 just to transfer my info. Who set up this system?

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by jjccp

I refuse to pay Boat US $25 just to transfer my info. Who set up this system?

The FCC one is free to transfer

[jjccp]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

The FCC one is free to transfer

Thanks for letting me know that. I never knew there was an alternative method.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by jjccp

Thanks for letting me know that. I never knew there was an alternative method.

It’s not an alternative method , the boatUs can only be transferred through BoatUS

The fcc one is the full proper international MMSI/ call sign

[jjccp]

Ok, then I go back to my original statement and I refuse to pay BoatUS

[garychurch]

If you are going to another country (I.e. Bahamas. Caribbean, Mexico, etc.) you must have an FCC MMSI number. Boat US issued MMSI does not mergg to this criteria.

Also, some marine electronic shops can reprogram your radios without returning to manufacturer.

[Redline452]

I'm guessing you're not a member, as it might be free if you were.
Your remaining option would be to have the previous owner contact BoatUS to cancel the number, then you would have to send whichever radios contain the old MMSI to the dealer/manufacturer/service depot to have them erase the old MMSI.
Only then can you apply for your own (which I understand is free from the FCC *IF* you have a station license ~$100/10 years (still cheaper than here in Canada where it's $33/year, but our MMSIs are free whether or not you have a station license).

I know of one boater who was told by his radio local dealer that "Oh, that's an old model, buy a new radio." (DSC radios by definition aren't that old, but what incentive did that dealer have to do the work?)
In short, you have several ways to avoid paying BoatUS $25, all of which are likely to cost you even more. Which you may still prefer, who knows. Good luck.

[jjccp]

Originally Posted by Redline452

I'm guessing you're not a member, as it might be free if you were.
Your remaining option would be to have the previous owner contact BoatUS to cancel the number, then you would have to send whichever radios contain the old MMSI to the dealer/manufacturer/service depot to have them erase the old MMSI.
Only then can you apply for your own (which I understand is free from the FCC *IF* you have a station license ~$100/10 years (still cheaper than here in Canada where it's $33/year, but our MMSIs are free whether or not you have a station license).

I know of one boater who was told by his radio local dealer that "Oh, that's an old model, buy a new radio." (DSC radios by definition aren't that old, but what incentive did that dealer have to do the work?)
In short, you have several ways to avoid paying BoatUS $25, all of which are likely to cost you even more. Which you may still prefer, who knows. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. The previous owner passed away. Boat US did free up the number, but I stopped when they wanted $$. I'm not a member. I have a bug up my butt with their new owner. You're right, I have an older radio and it's just not worth it to get the radio re-programed.

It is my understanding that if there is a distress call, help is still coming but they won't have the correct contact info.

[Sostratus]

I purchased a new to me boat this past fall. The previous owner cancelled his MMSI registration. After his cancellation was processed I applied for that MMSI number. Both the cancellation and my application were completed directly with the FCC. When I called the FCC for assistance, I was actually pleasantly surprised how helpful the FCC is for a federal government organization. Within minutes I had a detailed email from the FCC with instructions.

The process was really pretty straight forward and easy.