MMSI Number Question

[Jason S]

So say you went and bought the handheld Standard Horizon VHF with built in GPS and DSC from the handheld thread for a back up/ditch bag radio. Would you program the same number MMSI in as your main radio? Same question if you have two fixed units do you need two numbers?

By the way nice little radio. West Marine had them and price matched the price from that thread. Bought one to go in the boat. Has a built in strobe flasher too by the way.

[JawHooker]

I am not sure with the handheld as you could easily move it from boat to boat. For two fixed mounts you use the same MMSI# as that number is assigned to the Vessel per say. I looked this up on the Boatus webpage

[Megabites]

MMSI Numbers are assigned to the vessel not to the radio. All radios (including handhelds) should use the same MMSI Number.

[CATCH AND EAT]

Originally Posted by Megabites

MMSI Numbers are assigned to the vessel not to the radio. All radios (including handhelds) should use the same MMSI Number.

yep.

[Danno]

Originally Posted by Megabites

MMSI Numbers are assigned to the vessel not to the radio. All radios (including handhelds) should use the same MMSI Number.

I disagree. If I have my handheld with me on someone else's boat, I don't want them searching for an Arima when they should be looking for another type. I specifically registered it as a handheld so that they would know that it is not boat specific. A call to the contact number will help them identify the boat I'm on based on my float plan filed with my wife.

[Megabites]

Originally Posted by Danno

I disagree. If I have my handheld with me on someone else's boat, I don't want them searching for an Arima when they should be looking for another type. I specifically registered it as a handheld so that they would know that it is not boat specific. A call to the contact number will help them identify the boat I'm on based on my float plan filed with my wife.

Interesting. When I registered mine the other day with BOATUS they specifically said that even handhelds should be registerd to the vessel and that each vessel should have it's own MMSI. I know there are two other agencies that register MMSI numbers, who did you use?

On another note how does your handheld get GPS position data? It would seem to me that it would take to much time to manually program in your location. I would think it would be quicker to just voice your location. I guess what I'm really asking is how practical is a handheld VFH with DCS?

[Jason S]

Originally Posted by Megabites

Interesting. When I registered mine the other day with BOATUS they specifically said that even handhelds should be registerd to the vessel and that each vessel should have it's own MMSI. I know there are two other agencies that register MMSI numbers, who did you use?

On another note how does your handheld get GPS position data? It would seem to me that it would take to much time to manually program in your location. I would think it would be quicker to just voice your location. I guess what I'm really asking is how practical is a handheld VFH with DCS?

Standard Horizon makes a hand held with built in GPS receiver and DSC. Got mine at West Marine for $205.00.

Great back up to my main that goes into the ditch bag. GPS is rather rudimentry. No navigating with it. Just tell the radio where you are at.

[Danno]

I didn't see the recommendation by BoatUS so I based it off of a recommendation here and my own common sense (which isn't always that good).

I sold the boat but kept the Uniden Mystic GPS/VHF. It has class D DSC built in. No need to key in a GPS position. It makes a good back up for me when I hitch a ride.

[Megabites]

Cool I guess I never notice handheld VHF with GPS built in. Learn something new every day.

[Highmark]

My wife got me one for fathers day. Great unit...

HM

Originally Posted by Megabites

Cool I guess I never notice handheld VHF with GPS built in. Learn something new every day.