How Are MMSI Assignments Obtained?Non-commercial users, such as recreational users, who remainin United States 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 http://www.uscg.mil/rescue21/links/mmsi.htm orhttp://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.United States Non-Federal UserCommercial users, or those who travel outside the United States orCanada, must apply for a ship station license or an amendment to aship station license. To find out if you require a Ship Station licensecontact http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html. If your vesselrequires licensing by the FCC, a MMSI is assigned to you duringthe application/licensing process when you file FCC Forms 159 and605.United States Federal UserFederal users can obtain MMSI assignments from their agencyradio spectrum management office. These procedures are currentlyunder review by the National Telecommunications and InformationAdministration (NTIA).User Outside the United StatesUsers can obtain an MMSI assignment from their telecommunicationsauthority or ship registry, often by obtaining or amending their shipstation license.User In CanadaIndustry Canada is responsible for assigning MMSI numbers tocommercial and recreational vessels. Information is available at thefollowing Web site: http://apollo.ic.gc.ca/english/mmsi.html.How Can Garmin Help You with DSC?To receive Distress Calls or Position Reports, you must have a DSC-equipped chartplotter as well as a VHF radio with DSC support.During normal, non-emergency Position Report communication,Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) has been set aside as the VHF/DSCdigital call channel.For a Distress Call, press the MayDay button on the VHF radio.The call transmits on an emergency channel with the MMSI numberattached to the call, if the receiver has DSC support. Any DSC-equipped mariner (on sea or land) within range can receive the call.When the Garmin GPSMAP 396 is connected to a VHF with DSCsupport, the GPS unit shows a Call List, Log, and a Directory. Basicwiring is required for the Garmin unit and VHF radio to send andreceive NMEA data from each other.GPSMAP 396 Pilot’s Guide 169APPENDIX > D IGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC)
