Obtain MMSI during Registration Process?
Posted by imnotmellomike@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 13 comments
Hello!
We purchased a new vessel mid way through last year in Canada, did a large refit, and sailed down to the US (we are US citizens) and are working through the winter planning to take off again in a month or so for an extended cruise.
We are having a heck of a time registering our yacht with the USCG as the US keeps having funding issues? Started the process way back in like August and the sheer slowness of their responses are now beginning to be an issue as we are hoping to have our AIS and VHF working (which require an MMSI number) which we don't yet have as we aren't fully registered yet. Every 90 days or so we get asked for one simple document or the same with a slight change. Thankfully this time (a few days ago) I'm not sure what else could even be asked for. I did get people on the phone a few times before this current round of "sorry there's no one working here currently" began again. But I'm not sure when we will get a response next, seems like it'll be well past the time we are hoping to have left the US for the next 2 or more years.
We have an "official number" which was given to us after we started the USCG registration process but nothing else. Is this the number we will have once the process is done and therefore can I use this to get an MMSI in the mean time?
Also, wondering if alternative registrations are an option. It's just 2 of us on our own yacht, nothing fancy, and planning to cruise outside of the US now for the indefinite future. Have people that aren't superyacht owners done Flag of Convenience registrations? If so, how'd that process go and has it caused you any issues?
Thanks!
Regular-Property-236@reddit
odd, i registered via fcc website and got the mmsi/ship station license the next day. this was last week.
imnotmellomike@reddit (OP)
I haven't done anything with an MMSI yet as I don't yet have registration for the vessel, thats the part thats taking a long time. But okay that's good to know the actual MMSI turn around is quick!
Regular-Property-236@reddit
i didnt have my boat registered yet, either. just a signed title.
imnotmellomike@reddit (OP)
Okay sweet this is good to know. You did that though this portal and choosing "sa or sb ship"?
https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
The site seems to be having issues unfortunately. It lets me get part way though but I then get "access denied"
Regular-Property-236@reddit
Yes, I was going for the SA. I started here: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/maritime-mobile/ship-radio-stations/ship-radio-stations
Which lead to here when finding for 605: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/universal-licensing-system
There are some links under "Filing" on that page that lead me to the right place.
Hope this helps!
ez_as_31416@reddit
I bought a canadian boat in the US in december. USCG paperwork started early December. Through the FCC I got my MMSI and FCC license in early January. After about 6 weeks I was able to find m USCG number online. I also applied for a copy of my USCG regustration - which cost $135. In February I got the copy of the registration -- even though I did not receive the original until March. But it all worked out.
I used this link to trak the paperwork. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/40a3422
imnotmellomike@reddit (OP)
Okay this is good to know. So you did the actual registration on paper and not through their estorefront dashboard page thing?
I get that the FCC site and the MMSI number is separate I guess maybe they don't ask for all the information about the registration I am waiting for. The MMSI is done through this strangely old and hard to find site correct?
https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
ez_as_31416@reddit
Yes, that's the site. Anacortes Documentation Services handled my registration so I'm not sure how they di it. You could probably call and ask Michelle. They're very helpful.
Not sure where you are, but fun fact if you're planning to go to Mexico. Make sure the previous owner cancelled their TIP. But when you apply, you may have an issue as Canada doesn't use the Hull number on their TIP application so although I got a TIP number, I did not get the document until it was sorted out at my port of entry in Mexico. Be sure to have a copy of the previously cancelled TIP.
IanSan5653@reddit
You can just get your MMSI now and update the registration later with the documentation number. MMSIs aren't that hard to get (intentionally). You just need the hull identification number.
imnotmellomike@reddit (OP)
Ooo okay that's interesting. So the MMSI doesn't require all the information I have yet to receive from the registration process? It's done through this quaint site correct?
https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
I'll go through and see how far I can get with the information I have. Good to know I can update information later!
IanSan5653@reddit
No that's for FCC licenses, not for simple MMSI numbers. You get MMSI through a private company that licenses from the FCC. BoatUS is who I went through https://www.boatus.com/mmsi/mmsi/obtainmmsi#!
Free_Range_Lobster@reddit
Just get your MMSI now
https://www.boatus.com/mmsi/mmsi/obtainmmsi#!
tench745@reddit
Boat US is great if you're staying in US waters, but the numbers they give out don't go into the international database. You'll want to go through the FCC for that.