RYA SRC MMSI Numbers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What MMSI range is assigned to vessels registered in France?
- 226-228 (French MID range) (Correct answer)
- 232-235
- 100-109
- 300-309
Correct answer: 226-228 (French MID range)
France's Maritime Identification Digits (MID) range from 226 to 228. Different countries are assigned different MID ranges by the ITU, which is why the first three digits of an MMSI identify the flag state.
Question 2: What should a skipper do before going to sea to ensure their DSC radio will function correctly in an emergency?
- Verify the MMSI is programmed, GPS is connected and has a fix, and the battery is charged (Correct answer)
- Only check the battery level
- Only confirm the vessel name is shown on the display
- Check the radio is on Channel 16
Correct answer: Verify the MMSI is programmed, GPS is connected and has a fix, and the battery is charged
Before departure, the skipper should verify the MMSI is correctly programmed, the radio is connected to GPS and has a position fix, the battery/power supply is adequate, and the radio is functional — all critical for effective DSC distress alerting.
Question 3: Can a vessel legally operate in UK waters without a Ship Radio Licence?
- No — a Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom is required to operate any ship radio (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the vessel is under 10 metres in length
- Yes, for day sailing only
- Yes, if the radio is hand-held rather than fixed-mount
Correct answer: No — a Ship Radio Licence from Ofcom is required to operate any ship radio
UK law requires any vessel carrying a radio transmitter (including VHF marine radios) to hold a valid Ship Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. There is no exemption based on vessel size or type of sailing.
Question 4: What is the Ship Radio Licence number and how does it relate to the vessel's MMSI?
- The Ship Radio Licence reference is separate from the MMSI but both are issued by Ofcom for the same vessel (Correct answer)
- They are the same number used interchangeably
- The MMSI is always the licence number plus 100
- The licence number is the MMSI prefixed by the UK MID
Correct answer: The Ship Radio Licence reference is separate from the MMSI but both are issued by Ofcom for the same vessel
The Ship Radio Licence reference and MMSI are separate identifiers both issued by Ofcom. The licence certifies the vessel may operate radio equipment; the MMSI is the digital identifier programmed into the DSC radio.
Question 5: What is a 'portable ship station licence'?
- A licence covering a hand-held VHF radio that may be used on different vessels (Correct answer)
- A licence for vessels under 5 metres
- A temporary licence for race events
- A licence for radios used in harbour areas only
Correct answer: A licence covering a hand-held VHF radio that may be used on different vessels
A Portable Ship Station Licence covers a hand-held VHF radio that the owner may use on different vessels. This is useful for sailors who crew different boats but want to carry their own licensed radio.
Question 6: Why is it important that the MMSI database held by HM Coastguard is kept up to date?
- So coastguards have accurate vessel and owner information when responding to a DSC distress alert (Correct answer)
- So Ofcom can calculate licence fees correctly
- So the RYA can record SRC holder details
- So vessel insurance premiums can be calculated
Correct answer: So coastguards have accurate vessel and owner information when responding to a DSC distress alert
When HM Coastguard receives a DSC distress alert, they immediately query the MMSI database for vessel details, owner contact, and next-of-kin information to coordinate the SAR response. Outdated records can waste time and endanger lives.
RYA SRC MMSI Numbers 4
What MMSI range is assigned to vessels registered in France?