If justified by the radio equipment on board (VHF DSC, Cospas Sarsat EPIRB, AIS transponder...), a 9-digit numerical code called MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) will be assigned by the administration. To be useful, it will have to be coded on all the equipment concerned.
Utility of the MMSI
The MMSI is associated with a unique registration, it promotes accurate identification of the vessel and its owner. The nominative data associated with the MMSI allows the collection of all useful information contributing to the reactivity of the rescue services to assist the shipwrecked, especially in case of distress
The MMSI assigned to a ship is unique and cannot be reused on another vessel.
ANFR, the MMSI manager in France
In France, it is the Agence Nationale des FRéquences (ANFR) which manages the licences of radio stations and issues call signs and MMSI.
The procedure for assigning this number is a two-step process, first obtaining a marine radio licence (which authorizes the use of a transmitter from a vessel) and then, subsequently, obtaining an MMSI number.
All of these procedures are free of charge and are carried out remotely, via the teleservices offered by ANFR.
Obtaining a licence
Obtaining the licence makes it possible to identify the boat itself, as an "empty" shell with no default equipment. It will be necessary to inform the transmitters on board, portable VHF as an emergency beacon. It is this first step that will produce your account on the site and allow you to manage any changes. Don't take the coordinates lightly, they can be used by the emergency services in case of distress to obtain more information about your boat.
Obtaining an MMSI
The MMSI number assigned will be the ship's MMSI number. It will be necessary, once obtained, that each piece of equipment on board is coded on it. It is forbidden to transfer coded equipment from one boat to another boat.
Only after the license has been created can you add a device and get the corresponding MMSI.
Equipment coding
Although it is not complicated, the coding of equipment with the MMSI provided by the administration is an operation to be carried out with great care. Some equipment allows only one attempt and a return trip to the factory will be mandatory to change this MMSI, often for hard cash.
This means that we recommend that you read the instructions for the equipment and the information entered twice!
Verification of the proper functioning of the MMSI
The coded MMSI allows DSC on VHF. To test, you can request a test from the authorities on channel 16. We do not recommend that you use this method as it will unnecessarily clutter up the emergency call channel.
We therefore recommend that you communicate this MMSI to another boater and ask them to make a selective call to you. If he succeeds in contacting you, then the coding will have been properly done. Find an article that describes you how to proceed step by step with these ASN tests .
