Do you have your VHF hooked to your GPS?

[Dennis P]

Todd - Looks like this will be OK for Canada as well, according to the FAQ on the BoatUS website: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/MM1.htm#q14

"I am a recreational boater in the United States but regularly go into Canadian waters. Can I still use the BoatUS MMSI?

While Canada is considered “international waters” which technically calls for an FCC Ship Station License, Canada is not enforcing US regulations. Canada also has de-licensed recreational boaters. Under international treaties to which the US is a party, you are required to have an FCC license to transmit your radio in a foreign port. It is recommended for Mexico, Bahamas and the Caribbean etc. BoatUS and the GMDSS Task Force are working to have the FCC lift the rule for Canada and the Bahamas. Also, the U.S. & Canadian Coast Guard are working together to respond to any distresses in the border waters. "

 

[AKBASSKING]

I also belong to an Alaska boating forum and posed the DSC question there. Here is what a USCG member posted for Alaska. This would include SE Alaska for those who do the "inside passage."

There's been some very informative threads on DSC in the past; do a forum search, it's worth the read. To answer AKBassking's original question, "Does the CG monitor DSC?"...the answer is (unfortunately) not at this time. A major part of the R21 project is to upgrade Alaska's high sites to allow for CH70 (DSC) monitoring....and, as someone already mentioned, Alaska's geographical challenges pretty much preclude radio direction finding; unlike the lower 48 states' coastlines, (where it is possible to get triangulation of signals), Alaska's mountainous coastline and the multitude of interconnecting waterways (especially in SE AK), don't give the radio signals a clear line of sight. Alaska's R21 project will primarily differ from R21 in the lower 48 in that DSC will become the primary means which the CG will use to determine the mariner's location. So, having a DSC-equipped/enabled VHF radio is critical....even though the CG does not yet have the full capability, other ships/boats do...and they can hear you on CH70. My personal boats (including my Jetskis) have DSC-enabled VHF radios, so if you are within my range, I will get your distress signals as will other similarly equipped boats. My advice is to not hesitate to 'upgrade' to DSC; the more boaters out there with DSC means there are that many more good sams to assist. Hope this helps! Boat Safe! Mike

 

[Sparkey600]

Mmsi

 

[Sparkey600]

I just bought a use boat that had an MMSI number in the radio, The only way to change that number was to send it to raymarine and thay will change it. Is far is I know that number is your for life if you want it. They said the po could cancel the number and then I could use it with my info, But if thay got a new boat they are going to use it

 

[320Bob]

My equipment is capable but I will not know until I take delivery in March whether or not the previous owner had a MMSI number. When I find out, I plan to take the appropriate steps to get one of my own.

 

[Nehalennia]

Yes, Sparkey and Bob it is a good idea to have your radio wiped clean and obtain your own MMSI #.