Garmin gpsmap-188 User Manual

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 MMSI?

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) basically allows a VHF 

radio to act like a phone. In order to make a “call” on a phone, 

you first need a phone number to dial. The 9 digit MMSI number 

acts like a phone number when used in a Position Report and as a 

unique identifier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency 

Distress Call. In order to obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity 

(MMSI) number, users must register their VHF radio with the FCC 

(Form 605). Garmin does not supply this number. 

Non-commercial users (for example, recreational users who remain 

in domestic waters and only carry VHF, EPIRB (Emergency 

Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and Radar) are not required to 

have a FCC ship station license. The FCC and Coast Guard have 

authorized some second and third party vendors to assign MMSI 

numbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vessels 

only. To receive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSI 

number, contact: http://www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm or 

http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.

U.S Non-Federal User: Commercial users, or those who travel 

outside the U.S. or Canada, must apply for a ship station license, or 

an amendment to a ship station license. To find out if you require 

a Ship Station license contact: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/

fctsht14.html. If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC you 

obtain a MMSI during the application/licensing process when you 

file FCC Forms 159 and 605.
U.S. Federal User: Federal users can obtain MMSI assignments 

from their agency radio spectrum management office. These 

procedures are currently under review by the NTIA (National 

Telecommunications and Information Administration).
Outside the U.S.: Users can obtain an MMSI assignment from their 

telecommunications authority or ship registry, often by obtaining or 

amending their ship station license.
In Canada: Industry Canada is responsible for assigning MMSI 

numbers to commercial and recreational vessels. Information is 

available at the following web site: http://apollo.ic.gc.ca/english/

mmsi.html.
For information regarding MMSI’s visit:  

http://www.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm.