Garmin GPSMAP 278 - Manual (Page 124)

What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
Number?
MMSI allows a VHF radio to act like a phone. 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. To obtain a MMSI number, users must register their
VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply this
number!
For more information regarding MMSI numbers, visit
www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm .
How Are MMSI Assignments Obtained?
Non-commercial users, such as recreational users, who remain
in United States 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 www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm or
http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ .
Non-Federal Users in the United States
Commercial users, or those who travel outside the United States 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,
visit http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html . If your vessel
requires licensing by the FCC, you can obtain a MMSI during the
application/licensing process when you file FCC Forms 159 and
605.
Federal Users in the United States
Federal users can obtain MMSI assignments from their agency
radio spectrum management office. These procedures are currently
under review by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA).
Users Outside the United States
Users can obtain an MMSI assignment from their telecommunications
authority or ship registry, often by obtaining or amending their ship
station license.
Users 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 .
 GPSMAP 278 Owner’s Manual
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