MMSI number, call signs???

[acarter92]

Hi guys,

I just installed a cobra MR F45 fixed mount VHF. I'm applying for a MMSI number so I can utilize the DSC features but I'm confused about the call sign requirement in the application... it says the call sign has to come from the FCC, but the more I research the more I confuse myself. From what I understand I don't need a station license because I "voluntarily" have the radio on my boat (not required) and I won't be going outside the U.S. Can I use my registration numbers?

Can somebody help me understand this?

Thanks in advance,
Austin

 

[dingbat]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

A call sign is optional info. It's not required to complete the application

 

[acarter92]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

Well that was simple....

Thanks

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

It may be optional but consider this...

You send a digital distress message; The CG receives the digital message and their computer automatically looks up your MMSI number and returns a description of the boat , Your Name and all the other info they need to describe who they are about to go out to help.

They grab their microphone to answer your distress call.
Who do they call? What is your call sign?

If you do not have an FCC call sign, what do you commonly answer to?
When your friends call you on Ch-9, if your are used to answering to "The Sloop John B" or Pennsylvania 4321 Alpha Bravo (PA 4321 AB),
that is what you should enter as your Call Sign.

What should they be expecting you to identify yourself as?
And what should they attempt to hail yourself as?

Your Registration number is as close as it gets to being an official all sign.
If you leave it blank, that is likely what they are going to use.

You can update/change the information later if you get an FCC call sign, Move the radio to another boat, or move to another state.

 

[roscoe]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

It may be optional but consider this...

You send a digital distress message; The CG receives the digital message and their computer automatically looks up your MMSI number and returns a description of the boat , Your Name and all the other info they need to describe who they are about to go out to help.

They grab their microphone to answer your distress call.
Who do they call? What is your call sign?

If you do not have an FCC call sign, what do you commonly answer to?
When your friends call you on Ch-9, if your are used to answering to "The Sloop John B" or Pennsylvania 4321 Alpha Bravo (PA 4321 AB),
that is what you should enter as your Call Sign.

What should they be expecting you to identify yourself as?
And what should they attempt to hail yourself as?

Mr. Carter perhaps ?

Your Registration number is as close as it gets to being an official all sign.
If you leave it blank, that is likely what they are going to use.

You can update/change the information later if you get an FCC call sign, Move the radio to another boat, or move to another state.

Yes, it would be nice to have a call sign, but I think they will be on there way anyway.
For all they know, you are in the water or unconscious.

It would be nice to have a recognizable call sign, if for no other reason than to relay conditions of the emergency.

 

[Outsider]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

"Vessel reporting distress at X.xxx North, Y.yyy West, acknowledge if able, over?"

 

[Larry3215]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

I used the name of my boat when I registered.

 

[dingbat]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

If you think the coast guard will be the first responder your in for a rude awakening. I've responded to 3 MMSI alarms in the past 4 years. All three vessels where assisted by boats in a vicinity in a matter of minutes. I’ve not seen the CG respond to a mayday in our neck of the woods in 15 years

 

[cyclops2]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

Love the show & the units saving people.......... Hate the commerical boats who know they are risking their lives & the USCG crews......

 

[JB]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

This thread belongs to acarter, not to hijackers trying to violate all the rules at once and/or argue with the hijacker.
Further hijackers will be suspended.

 

[NYBo]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

The most logical thing is to name your boat and use that as your call sign. That's one of the reasons I gave my small boat a name in the first place.

 

[acarter92]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

My boats name is "Blue Crab" so I made my call sign BLUCRB.... I don't really use the radio much, always have it on (ch 16) but rarely transmit so I've never had to have a name for other's to hail me with...

JB,

Nobody is hijacking my thread. My question was answered with the first post, IMHO once the OP's question has been answered it's open game for any conversation. That's how we learn stuff.... Somebody starts a topic on what type of anchor rode they should have and we learn every detail about every type of rope ever used....

Thanks,
Austin

 

[Don S]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

JB,

Nobody is hijacking my thread. My question was answered with the first post, IMHO once the OP's question has been answered it's open game for any conversation.

What you are not seeing is the 13 posts that JB deleted from this thread, that had nothing to do with your question.

 

[acarter92]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

What you are not seeing is the 13 posts that JB deleted from this thread, that had nothing to do with your question.

You're right, I didn't. I apologize...

Austin

 

[Larry3215]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

One thing you should think about - how is the Coast Guard responder (or you) supposed to pronounce that call sign? Remember, this is for an emergency response - by voice radio. Its not morris code or single side band

Im not sure why you shortened the name. There is plenty of room on the form for a longer name.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

One thing you should think about - how is the Coast Guard responder (or you) supposed to pronounce that call sign? Remember, this is for an emergency response - by voice radio. Its not Morse code or single side band

I'm not sure why you shortened the name. There is plenty of room on the form for a longer name.

I thought that was weird too!
Do you want to be hailed as "B-L-U-C-R-B" or "Blue Crab"?

What we are proposing is a Tactical Call Sign.
Example: "Air Force 28000" commonly uses the tactical call sign of "Air Force One"

 

[Larry3215]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

I havent looked in a long time, but Im pretty sure you can get on-line and change things - if you want to - once it gets posted to the MMSI web page.

 

[acarter92]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

Ok, Ok, I'll change it... to BLUE CRAB I did it through "Boat US" so I can log on and make changes whenever I want...

Thanks,
Austin

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

Me thinks the best call sign is the reg #first followed by the boat name, ie nm3311ec lady minnae. Cutesy boat names could be misinterpreted. The reg -# should be the primary hailing # for emergencies IMHO

 

[dingbat]

Re: MMSI number, call signs???

I have to question the need of a call sign seeing that you can contact the party via their MMSI number.