RYA SRC MMSI Numbers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information is stored against an MMSI in the coast station database?
- Vessel name, type, length, owner details, and emergency contact numbers (Correct answer)
- Only the vessel name
- The vessel's insurance policy number
- The skipper's licence number and medical history
Correct answer: Vessel name, type, length, owner details, and emergency contact numbers
The MMSI database (accessible by coastguards) contains vessel name, type, length, home port, owner's name and address, and emergency contact numbers. This information is critical for SAR response when a distress alert is received.
Question 2: What is the recommended action if you sell your vessel and the radio is included in the sale?
- Cancel your MMSI with Ofcom and advise the new owner to register their own (Correct answer)
- Transfer the MMSI to the new owner by notifying Ofcom
- Leave the MMSI unchanged — it will automatically update
- Remove the radio and keep your MMSI for a new vessel
Correct answer: Cancel your MMSI with Ofcom and advise the new owner to register their own
When selling a vessel with its radio, the seller should cancel the MMSI with Ofcom. The buyer must register a new MMSI under their details before operating the DSC radio to ensure correct identification.
Question 3: What does the MMSI '002320010' (starting 0023) indicate about the station type?
- It is a coast radio station or coast earth station (00 prefix) (Correct answer)
- It is a vessel registered in the UK
- It is a life raft transponder
- It is a group MMSI for a fleet
Correct answer: It is a coast radio station or coast earth station (00 prefix)
MMSI numbers beginning with double zero (00) identify coast radio stations or coast earth stations. The following digits identify the specific country (232 for UK) and the individual station.
Question 4: How is an MMSI different from a vessel's call sign?
- MMSI is a 9-digit digital number for DSC; call sign is an alphanumeric identifier for voice communications (Correct answer)
- They are the same thing expressed differently
- Call sign is used for distress; MMSI is for routine calls
- MMSI is issued by the MCA; call sign by the RYA
Correct answer: MMSI is a 9-digit digital number for DSC; call sign is an alphanumeric identifier for voice communications
An MMSI is a nine-digit number used specifically for DSC digital communications. A call sign is an alphanumeric identifier (e.g., MHBX4) used for voice communications and vessel identification purposes.
Question 5: What is the cost of registering a Ship Radio Licence and MMSI with Ofcom for a UK recreational vessel?
- A small annual fee is charged by Ofcom for the Ship Radio Licence (Correct answer)
- It is completely free for recreational vessels
- It costs the same as a commercial ship licence
- The RYA handles registration at no charge
Correct answer: A small annual fee is charged by Ofcom for the Ship Radio Licence
Ofcom charges an annual fee for the Ship Radio Licence which includes the MMSI registration. The fee is modest for recreational vessels. Without this licence, operating a ship radio in UK waters is unlawful.
Question 6: What must a vessel owner do if their vessel's details change (e.g., new vessel name)?
- Notify Ofcom to update the MMSI database with the new details (Correct answer)
- Purchase a new MMSI
- Notify the RYA only
- No action is required — the database updates automatically
Correct answer: Notify Ofcom to update the MMSI database with the new details
Any change to vessel details (name, home port, owner address, emergency contacts) must be notified to Ofcom to keep the MMSI database accurate. Outdated information could compromise SAR effectiveness if a distress alert is received.
RYA SRC MMSI Numbers 3
What information is stored against an MMSI in the coast station database?