RYA SRC MMSI Numbers

Question 1

What does MMSI stand for?

Accepted Answer

Maritime Mobile Service Identity

Answer

MMSI stands for Maritime Mobile Service Identity. It is a unique nine-digit number assigned to a vessel's DSC radio, functioning as a maritime telephone number for digital communications.

Question 2

How many digits does an MMSI number contain?

Accepted Answer

Nine digits

Answer

An MMSI number always contains exactly nine digits. This standardised length ensures consistent identification across all DSC radio equipment and coast station databases worldwide.

Question 3

What do the first three digits (MID) of a vessel MMSI indicate?

Accepted Answer

The country of registration

Answer

The first three digits of a vessel MMSI are the Maritime Identification Digits (MID), which identify the country where the vessel is registered. The UK MID is 232 to 235.

Question 4

What is the UK Maritime Identification Digit (MID) range?

Accepted Answer

232 to 235

Answer

The UK's Maritime Identification Digits range from 232 to 235. A UK-registered vessel's MMSI will begin with one of these three-digit codes, identifying it as a British vessel.

Question 5

Who should a recreational boat owner in the UK contact to obtain an MMSI?

Accepted Answer

Ofcom

Answer

UK recreational boat owners must apply to Ofcom for their vessel's MMSI. Ofcom issues the MMSI as part of the Ship Radio Licence, which is required for any vessel carrying a VHF marine radio.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC MMSI Numbers