obtaining and using

Obtaining and usingyour MMSI numberwith your VHF DSCradio and GPS unit.

DigitalSelectiveCalling

Unfortunately, many DSC radiosin use are not connected to GPS,do not have an MMSI numberassigned and have not yet beenproperly registered.

If you rely on a DSC radio totransmit a Digital Distress Alertensure that the device is regis-tered. The U.S. Coast Guardmay not receive correct positionor vessel information if the radiodoes not have an MMSI numberproperly programmed into theradio. Once the MMSI number isentered into the radio’s memoryit cannot be removed. If theownership of a VHF DSC radio ischanged, a new MMSI numbermust be obtained and entered inthe radios memory to reflect thenew MMSI owner information.Incorrect information transmittedwith a distress alert may delayrescue efforts as vessel informa-tion and GPS coordinates maynot be accurate.

DSC radios can help rescue boat-ers in distress.

‘DSC today’s SOS’

Obtain your

Maritime Mobile

Service Identity

(MMSI)

Number

For use with

DSC Radios

Bridging the technology gap  

in Boating Safety!

www.uscgboating.org

This pamphlet was prepared in partnership with theU. S. Coast Guard.

Thank you for obtaining andusing your MMSI numberwith your VHF DSC radio

and GPS!

National Boating Federationwww.n-b-f.org

This brochure is intellectual property of the National Boating Federationand may be reproduced and disseminated freely for the purpose of promot-ing marine safety in its whole, original, and unadulterated form. Anychanges, modifications, or additions to the document must be approved inadvance in writing to the NBF Web Master at www.n-b-f.org prior to suchdissemination.

Pub:01-01-2012

Step #2:

Connect your GPS receiver to theVHF/DSC radio. If you have diffi-culty, get help from a qualifiedtechnician.

Step #3:

Register your DSC radio at one ofthese websites and receive yourMMSI number. Registration isfree!

www.boatus.com/mmsi

www.seatow.com/boating_safety/mmsi.asp

www.usps4mmsi.com

Or call the FCC at

Step #5:

Check the DSC operationby making a routine prior-ity test call to another DSCradio. That radio will dis-play your MMSI number. Ifyour radio has a “Test Call”feature you can call theU.S. Coast Guard Rescue21 system using the003669999 MMSI and getan automatic responseacknowledgement.

Using VHF radioswith Digital SelectiveCalling: DSC

1-877-480-3201

Step #4:

Enter your MMSI number intoyour VHF/DSC radio.

Enjoy smooth sailing with a registered DSC radio.

GetAboard! The U.S.Coast Guard’s new Rescue21 system will automaticallyreceive your distress call in-cluding vessel & owner in-formation, your position inLatitude & Longitude and re-spond to your alert when youfollow these5 importantsteps:STEP #1:

Make sure that your newVHF radio is DSC capable.