Carver Owners Forum

I just purchased a new to me boat a Carver 3007 Aft Cabin.. The marine radio onboard does not seem to be working so I plan to get a new radio. I want to get one of the newer radios with the DSC function, I believe its called so I need to apply for an MMSI number. I understand you can get one through the Boat US website. I went to the site and one of the questions asked is do you plan to boat outside the U.S. I answered yes as I am in Michigan and will go to Canada a lot. The Boat US site says:

ATTENTION!
BoatU.S. can provide MMSI numbers only for equipment that is carried on US registered/documented recreational vessels that are not required to have an FCC Ship Station License and operate exclusively in US waters.

If your boat is registered or documented in another country, you will need to obtain an MMSI number from that country.

If you have a Ship Station License from the FCC (required for all vessels over 65 or equipped with a satellite phone or MF/HF or SSB radios, as well as for any vessel cruising internationally), you probably have already been issued an internationally accessible MMSI. Check the License Certificate for a nine digit number, most likely beginning with 366 or 367. If you are required to have a Ship Station License, you can obtain an MMSI number by filing FCC Schedule B with Form 605 when you apply. You will receive your MMSI number with your license.

BoatUS assigned MMSI data is stored in the Coast Guard SAR database. It is not included in the International SAR database. If you ever intend to operate the equipment outside of US waters, you need to obtain an FCC Ship Station License and an international MMSI.

Attention Vessels belonging to Federal Agencies
Federal users must obtain MMSI assignments from their agency radio spectrum management office in accordance with Section 6.6 of the NTIA Manual. Official DHS and U.S. Coast Guard users can obtain an MMSI through Commandant (CG-652) in accordance with Commandant Instruction M2000.3D, Section 11.D. U.S. Coast Auxiliary surface vessel operators should request assignment of MMSIs using the same method as for a U.S. Non-Federal user.

It will not allow me to continue the process to get the number. What do I do? Do I lie and say I will not travel outside U.S. waters and get the number or just continue on without one.

I am at a crossroads here.

Interesting question.
With all the US vessels along the St Clair River, Lake St Clair, Detroit River, and Lake Erie, I can not imagine that none if them have MMSI numbers, or the ones that do, do not enter Canuck's waters and ports.

My boats are still on the other side of the state, but at least one will be over here next year, and it has a radio with a MMSI number set.

It is an interesting situation. On the Boat US site if you answer the question about taking the boat outside of U.S. waters with a yes it stops the process then and there. If you answer no you can continue on with the application. I also posted this on the Boat US website too so I hope to get an answer there.

This is the answer I got from Boat US:

While in Canadian territory, it is a ticket-able offense to operate, or possess, a radio apparatus without a radio authorization. The fine is $250 for individuals. It is encouraged to obtain a ship station license before entering foreign national water. The FCC ship station license is recognized through a Canada-USA bilateral agreement. Please see attached links below to access the necessary forms to obtain your FCC Ship Station License and International MMSI.

FCC Gettysburg, PA 877-480-3201 opt 2 Universal Licensing System (ULS) Hotline, now called "Licensing Support Center" - knowledgeable and helpful staff for questions & personal assistance

http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls - to access the following necessary forms, by number

Form 160 (FRN) FCC registration # - free - personal ID good for life - for FCC system use only - must have/get one to do business w/ FCC https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/regEntityType.do

Form 605 - Ship Station License, for boat $215 for 10 yrs ($15 refund of the regulatory fee portion for each remaining year of the term if cancelled prior to expiration) http://transition.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605.pdf

Need following addenda to the Form 605

Sched B gets your vessel an internationally recognized & accessible MMSI - free - use same MMSI with AIS and (generally) all DSC radios onboard http://transition.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605b.pdf

Sched E (rrtop)(RR) - permit to use a marine radio $65 - your personal permit, good for life (Note distinction: vessel needs LICENSE; you need PERMIT) http://transition.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605e.pdf

Form 1070Y (fee schedule) - just to verify the prices above https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attac ... 329377A1.p df

Form 159 (Remittance Advice form, not needed if submitted online) tells FCC how to allocate funds http://transition.fcc.gov/Forms/Form159/159.pdf

Turnaround time for online applications is now on the order of only about 24 hours. Once you receive notification of approval of your application, you can then print your Station License Certificate, which is required to be posted on the bulkhead near the vessel’s radio equipment.