MMSI Numbers Flashcards

What is the minimum information required on a Ofcom Ship Radio Licence application?

Answer: Vessel name, type, length, owner name and address, and proposed radio equipment

An Ofcom Ship Radio Licence application requires vessel name, type, length overall, owner's name and address, home port, and details of the radio equipment to be licensed. This information forms the MMSI database record.

How does HM Coastguard use the MMSI database during a real distress?

Answer: They look up the MMSI to find vessel details, owner contacts, and next-of-kin to brief SAR teams

On receipt of a DSC distress alert, HM Coastguard immediately queries the MMSI database to retrieve vessel name, type, size, home port, owner details, emergency contacts, and next-of-kin — essential information for briefing SAR teams and contacting families.

Can an MMSI be used without a valid Ship Radio Licence?

Answer: No — operating a radio without a valid Ship Radio Licence is illegal under UK law

A Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom is a legal requirement to operate any radio transmitter on a vessel in UK waters. Using an MMSI on a radio without a valid licence is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act.

What is the purpose of the Ship Radio Licence beyond authorising radio use?

Answer: It creates the official MMSI registration and SAR database record for the vessel

Beyond authorising radio operation, the Ship Radio Licence creates the official record linking the vessel's MMSI to its details in the SAR database. This record is what coastguards access when a distress alert is received.

What happens to a vessel's MMSI when the Ship Radio Licence expires?

Answer: The licence should be renewed before expiry to maintain the active MMSI record; expired licences mean the MMSI may not be on active SAR databases

Allowing a Ship Radio Licence to expire means the vessel's MMSI record may not be on active SAR databases. Operators should renew annually to ensure the database record is current and valid for emergency use.

If a vessel changes flag state, what must happen to the MMSI?

Answer: A new MMSI must be obtained from the authority in the new flag state; the old MMSI must be cancelled

Changing flag state requires cancelling the old MMSI with the previous country's authority and obtaining a new MMSI from the new flag state's licensing body. The MID prefix must reflect the vessel's current country of registration.