HI Cammd,
Yes, the MMsi stays with the boat for the Epirb and if you have a DSC VHF radio.
The seller has to log on and change his beacon ownership to 'sold'.
The buyer then applies using a normal registration process but you might get asked to supply the sellers name.
The AMSA account registration is good and easy to manage all your personal and boat mmsi's.
Cheers,
SB

shaggybaxter said..
HI Cammd,
Yes, the MMsi stays with the boat for the Epirb and if you have a DSC VHF radio.
The seller has to log on and change his beacon ownership to 'sold'.
The buyer then applies using a normal registration process but you might get asked to supply the sellers name.
The AMSA account registration is good and easy to manage all your personal and boat mmsi's.
Cheers,
SB

It is my understanding that the number that an epirb transmits is not the same as the MMSI used for DSC. Happy to be corrected though.

The DSC does not have its own separate MMSI. You have to program your boat's MMSI into your DSC.

Your EPIRB is not programmed with an MMSI but comes with its own built-in unique ID (the "hex" ID code), which is linked in AMSA's records with your boat's MMSI (provided you have advised them of course). So UncleBob is right. Then when you set the EPIRB off, its hex ID allows them to directly access your MMSI and other details, which is why it's essential to register it with AMSA.

Cheers, Graeme

I believe all the above is correct, and the odd and inconsistent can be explained by the fact that AMSA is primarily interested in commercial vessels, the whole AIS, DSC, EPIRB etc has been developed world wide for commercial traffic, we are just tagging along,

wongaga said..
The DSC does not have its own separate MMSI. You have to program your boat's MMSI into your DSC.

Your EPIRB is not programmed with an MMSI but comes with its own built-in unique ID (the "hex" ID code), which is linked in AMSA's records with your boat's MMSI (provided you have advised them of course). So UncleBob is right. Then when you set the EPIRB off, its hex ID allows them to directly access your MMSI and other details, which is why it's essential to register it with AMSA.

Cheers, Graeme

Thanks Graeme, that's a much clearer and better..er explanation!

Hi Jolene,

I just bought a new VHF DSC with AIS earlier this week. I don't think you need the MMSI if you buy the AIS receiver, as I did. If you go with the transmit and receive AIS pretty sure you'll need the MMSI. Because my radio has DSC it was a no brainer, I needed the MMSI.Currently all commercial vessels need Class A or B AIS transceiver setups but recreational users don't. Quite the cost difference unless you buy just the AIS unit on its own.
When I fired up the radio for the first time, it was one of the first things I needed to input. I skipped the MMSI input step and setup the AIS which functions perfectly without it, but the DSC wouldn't work and it's one of the main features I was looking for.
To apply for an MMSI you need to provide proof of your MROVCP certificate. Got mine eons ago. It said on their site 1-2 weeks to process but took just 2 days.
Pretty quick turnaround. V happy with the radio Lowrance Link 9.

DM