MMSI Transfer

[51ROB20]

I have a VHF DSC and a chart plotter on my Shetland family four and was wandering if I can transfer them both onto my RIB along with the MMSI number. Or do I have to notify offcom and get a new MMSI number.

[willk]

The MMSI stays with the boat (Shetland). You can take the VHF but you'll almost certainly have to return it to the manufacturer or dealer to have the MMSI erased. If it's a NAVMAN then I can. You'll need a new MMSI for the RIB.

The plotter is not involved in the issue.

[51ROB20]

Originally Posted by willk

The MMSI stays with the boat (Shetland). You can take the VHF but you'll almost certainly have to return it to the manufacturer or dealer to have the MMSI erased. If it's a NAVMAN then I can. You'll need a new MMSI for the RIB.

The plotter is not involved in the issue.

The vhf is an M Tech that I bought from Compas 24 so it looks like I wil have to return it to them to have the MMSI erased. I presume that they will install a new MMSI which I then have to register with offcom.
What sort of cost is involved in having the MMSI changed?

[willk]

Manufacturer clears the MMSI, you enter the new one that OFCOM give you.

If it's a cheap radio, I wouldn't bother. Between postage and the charge from them, it's stacked against you. I've heard costs from Free up to £40 for the job, plus your postage...

[Chris]

I would just move the radio. You can go onto Ofcoms website and change the boat details...

[51ROB20]

When I bought it it cost me £150, it has DSC/Atis and the inland waterways setup for on the continant so it was not exactly cheap at the time of purchase. I don't know what it would cost to replace by todays prices but as we are both disabled and unable to work it has got to be cheaper to change the MMSI than to have to buy a new radio.

[51ROB20]

Originally Posted by Chris

I would just move the radio. You can go onto Ofcoms website and change the boat details...

Thanks Chris, I didn't realise that you could do that, If it works you have just saved me quite a bit of money that I could not really afford to lay out at the moment.

[Poly]

What is the collective view on the mtech for waterproofness on an open rib? Wonder if a cheap icon/sh might be better long term.

[SPR]

Originally Posted by Polwart

What is the collective view on the mtech for waterproofness on an open rib? Wonder if a cheap icon/sh might be better long term.

IMHO - open rib only option is icom or standard horizon - amazon had one for £140 ish - 411

[51ROB20]

Originally Posted by SPR

IMHO - open rib only option is icom or standard horizon - amazon had one for £140 ish - 411

As we will not be out in "rough" water and I am mounting the radio under the dashboard with a polycarbonate "shield" it will be well protected as our searider has a splash deck. The radio probably got more water on it on the shetland than it will on the avon.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by 51ROB20

As we will not be out in "rough" water and I am mounting the radio under the dashboard with a polycarbonate "shield" it will be well protected as our searider has a splash deck. The radio probably got more water on it on the shetland than it will on the avon.

Stick the VHF in the RIB, do as Chris suggests re: Ofcom, if it doesn't work say nowt. If it dies, it dies. At least you'll get the rest of the value out of it.

[willk]

I'm (pleasantly) surprised to learn that you can change the boat details (it can't be done here). It makes a bit of a joke of the MMSI for a boat's life concept though

[SPR]

Originally Posted by willk

I'm (pleasantly) surprised to learn that you can change the boat details (it can't be done here). It makes a bit of a joke of the MMSI for a boat's life concept though

you can't do it in the UK either afaik ! you can change registered keeper but not boat type.

great advice PD! so the OP press the red button and the RNLI start looking for a Shetland instead of RIB ... not the smartest of ideas....

S.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by SPR

you can't do it in the UK either afaik ! you can change registered keeper but not boat type.

great advice PD! so the OP press the red button and the RNLI start looking for a Shetland instead of RIB ... not the smartest of ideas....

S.

but at least they're looking in the right place for a small boat in distress, which is better than nothing. I'll tell you what, seeing as the VHF has got the wrong mmsi in it, leave it on shore. OR get the cavalry there, get rescued, sort out the bureaucracy later, how smart is that

[Chris]

Originally Posted by SPR

not the smartest of ideas....

S.

Bollocks !

Most people dont even bother registering their Radios. So as Pikey said if you have a small boat that is the same colour etc on fire in the middle of the briney then what are the SAR team going to do...... Ignore it becuase it "might" be a Shetland.

[Poly]

You can try this: http://www.practicalboating.com/foru...ead.php?t=6353

[51ROB20]

Originally Posted by Chris

I would just move the radio. You can go onto Ofcoms website and change the boat details...

Hi Chris, I have been trying for the past two days to get onto the OFCOM website but all that comes up is a message saying that the site is closed for maintenance. I will have to have another go at it during the week.

[51ROB20]

Originally Posted by Polwart

You can try this: radios - Practical Boating Forums, marine forums, sailing forums, boat repair forums, inland waterways forums

Other people have found that the advice on this link works, so as soon as the OFCOM site opens again I will get a new MMSI number and follow the instructions. Nice one.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by 51ROB20

Other people have found that the advice on this link works, so as soon as the OFCOM site opens again I will get a new MMSI number and follow the instructions. Nice one.

It works if you have a "nasa m-tech 35dsc" radio, however I dont think you do.

Worth a try but I doubt it will work.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by 51ROB20

but all that comes up is a message saying that the site is closed for maintenance.

Sometimes I get the same problem on here