Garmin GPSMAP 392, 398, 492, 498 Owner's Manual

Also see for GPSMAP 392, 398, 492, 498: Quick reference guide Specifications

Contents

GPSMAP 392/398/492/498 Owner’s Manual 97APPENDIX > WHAT IS MMSI?What is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity(MMSI)?Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) allows a VHF radio toact like a phone. In order to make a “call” on a phone, you firstneed a phone number to dial. The 9-digit MMSI number acts likea phone number when used in a position report and as a uniqueidentifier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency DistressCall. In order to obtain a MMSI number, users must register theirVHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply thisnumber.How ARE MMSI assignments obtained?Non-commercial users (for example, recreational users who remainin domestic waters and only carry VHF, EPIRB (EmergencyPosition Indicating Radio Beacons), and Radar) are not required tohave a FCC ship station license. The FCC and Coast Guard haveauthorized some second and third party vendors to assign MMSInumbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vesselsonly. To receive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSInumber, contact: www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm orhttp://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.USNon-Federal User: Commercial users, or those who traveloutside the U.S. or Canada, must apply for a ship station license, oran amendment to a ship station license. To find out if you requirea Ship Station license contact: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html. If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC youobtain a MMSI during the application/licensing process when youfile FCC Forms 159 and 605.US Federal User: Federal users can obtain MMSI assignmentsfrom their agency radio spectrum management office. Theseprocedures are currently under review by the NTIA (NationalTelecommunications and Information Administration).Outside the US: Users can obtain an MMSI assignment from theirtelecommunications authority or ship registry, often by obtaining oramending their ship station license.In Canada: Industry Canada is responsible for assigning MMSInumbers to commercial and recreational vessels. Information isavailable at the following web site: http://apollo.ic.gc.ca/english/mmsi.html.For information regarding MMSIs visit:www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm.