From my limited research, you file for your MMSI from the FCC if your vessel will be traveling to international waters and foreign countries, even if it's to Canada or Bahamas and beyond. If your vessel is going to be in US waters only, you can apply through BoatUS.
I was looking at the process of how to do this and found a forum post where someone talked about it in a post from 2007. To get started, you need to get on the FCC Universal License System (ULS) website. If you don't already have an FCC Registration Number (FRN), you need to register for one. Being an amateur radio operator, I already had one so I just had to log in and submit a new application in order to get an MMSI.
There's a lot of pictures here, but follow this process with the information needed for yourself and your vessel and you should be good. I'm no expert here but this will give you an idea of what to expect during the process. I just did this process and it didn't take long to do at all. The longest part of this was making the screen shots to share with everyone else. Good luck!
NOTE: The cost for this application is $160.
Wish this excellent info about the process was available a couple weeks ago... I just went through the same thing. :) Plus I had to shell out another $60 for a restricted radiotelephone operator permit. It's a racket, I tell ya.
ReplyDeleteThe restricted radiotelephone operator permit is next on my list. I didn't realize it cost so much too.
DeleteI hope having this posted will help others to know where to go and what info is expected to make sure a person is prepared.
Found this from CruisersForum, very helpful screenshots!
ReplyDeleteWhy did you check "yes" for being required to carry a radio though? From the first paragraph on the FCC page they say voluntary ships are not required to carry a radio, and voluntary ships are generally recreational/pleasure ships.
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations
I'm glad it was helpful to you.
DeleteIt's been a while but I think I clicked Yes on that with the intention of traveling overseas. I was thinking there may have been a requirement to carry a radio onboard, such as monitoring the Coast Guard while sailing.