Ruqayyah Snyder
If you're a boat owner in Australia, you'll need to obtain an MMSI number to use certain marine radio communications equipment. The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is a unique nine-digit identification number issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). It is used to identify you and your vessel in distress or emergency situations and is required for radio equipment such as Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Marine VHF and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). To obtain an MMSI number, you must complete an application form and meet certain requirements, including having a Marine Radio Licence and a registered vessel in Australia. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining an MMSI number in Australia, ensuring you have the necessary qualifications and equipment to stay safe and compliant while enjoying your time on the water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is MMSI? | A unique nine-digit number that is entered into certain marine radio communications equipment. |
| Who issues MMSI? | Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) |
| Who needs MMSI? | All boats equipped with an AIS transceiver and VHF radios with DSC. |
| How to obtain MMSI? | Complete an MMSI application online or by downloading the form. |
| Requirements for MMSI application | ACMA maritime ship station licence, callsign for an MF/HF transceiver, vessel registered in Australia, and marine radio operator qualifications. |
| Marine radio operator qualifications accepted | Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ), Short Range Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP), Long Range Certificate (MROCP), and GMDSS First Class Radio Electronic Certificate. |
| Exemptions for marine radio operator qualifications | AIS on SAR aircraft, AIS base stations, AIS aids to navigation, and diver handheld VHF DSC transceivers with a qualified operator in the diving boat. |
| MMSI application form | Form 89 for Australian registered vessels, coast stations, handheld VHF radios with DSC, and AIS on SAR aircraft. |
| Other forms | Application for an Australian AIS base station licence form 234a and Application for an Australian AIS AtoN licence 234b. |
| Marine Radio Licence | Required for MMSI application and to access the full features of DSC radios. No expiry date or renewal fees. |
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What You'll Learn
Requirements for obtaining an MMSI number
To obtain an MMSI number in Australia, you must meet several requirements. Firstly, you need to have a vessel registered in Australia, excluding the Northern Territory. This is necessary as the MMSI number serves as a unique identifier for your vessel, and boat names are not sufficient for identification purposes.
In addition, specific radio equipment and qualifications are required. For an MF/HF transceiver, you must possess a Long Range Certificate (Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency) and a ship station licence with a callsign issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Alternatively, for a VHF transceiver, the minimum qualification is an Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ) or a Short Range Certificate of Proficiency (Marine Radio Operator's VHF Certificate of Proficiency). It is important to note that these qualifications are not required for AIS on SAR aircraft, AIS base stations, or AIS aids to navigation.
Before applying for an MMSI number, you must obtain a Marine Radio Licence. This licence is essential for programming your Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Marine VHF and/or MF/HF Radios or Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) with the MMSI number. The Marine Radio Licence course can be enrolled in at any time, and it provides comprehensive resources to prepare for the final exam.
To summarise, the key requirements for obtaining an MMSI number in Australia are: a registered vessel in Australia (excluding the Northern Territory), the necessary radio equipment (MF/HF or VHF transceiver) with the corresponding operator qualifications, and a Marine Radio Licence. By fulfilling these requirements, you can then proceed with submitting your MMSI application online or through Form 89.
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How to complete the application form
To obtain an MMSI number in Australia, you must first meet the following requirements:
- An ACMA maritime ship station licence and callsign for an MF/HF transceiver.
- A vessel registered in Australia (excluding the Northern Territory).
- Marine radio operator qualifications. The following types are accepted: Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ), Short Range Certificate of Proficiency (Marine Radio Operators VHF Certificate of Proficiency – MROVCP), and Long Range Certificate (Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency – MROCP).
Once you have met these requirements, you can complete the MMSI application form. The form can be filled out online or downloaded from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) website.
- Start by providing your personal or company information, including your name, address, contact details, and any other requested information.
- Provide details about your vessel, such as its name, registration number, type, and size.
- Specify the type of radio equipment you are using, such as VHF DSC, HF DSC, or AIS. Provide the make, model, and serial number of your radio equipment.
- Include your marine radio operator qualifications or certificate. If you are applying for AIS on an SAR aircraft, an AIS base station, or AIS aids to navigation, radio operator qualifications are not required.
- Provide your ACMA maritime ship station licence and callsign for the MF/HF transceiver.
- Review your application form to ensure all the information provided is accurate and up to date.
- Submit your completed application form to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). You may need to create an account or log in to their portal to submit your application.
After submitting your application, you will typically receive a response within a few weeks. If your application is approved, you will be assigned a unique nine-digit MMSI number, which you can program into your marine radio equipment. This number will allow your vessel to be identified by emergency services in the event of a distress or emergency situation.
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The cost of obtaining an MMSI number
To obtain an MMSI number in Australia, you must first obtain a Marine Radio Licence. This can be done by enrolling in a course and paying a fee. The VHF (SROCP) Marine Radio Licence Complete Course costs $279.00, while the VHF & MF/HF (LROCP) Marine Radio Licence Complete Course, the most popular option, also costs $279.00. Both courses include course materials, access to a free study app, and an online exam.
Once you have obtained your Marine Radio Licence, you can apply for an MMSI number by completing the MMSI application form 89, which can be done online or by downloading the form. The MMSI number is then programmed into your marine radio equipment.
It is important to note that the Marine Radio Licence is required specifically for programming the MMSI into Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Marine VHF and/or MF/HF Radios or Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
In the United States, BoatUS is authorized to assign MMSI numbers to certain vessels, and the cost for non-members is $25.
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The different types of radio licences
To obtain an MMSI number in Australia, you must first obtain a Marine Radio Licence. This is because the MMSI number is programmed into marine radio equipment.
In Australia, there are several types of radio licences available, depending on the type of radio equipment and its intended use. Here are the different types of radio licences you need to know about:
Marine Radio Licence
A Marine Radio Licence is required for operating marine VHF and/or MF/HF Radios, or for upgrading to Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radios. This licence is necessary for obtaining an MMSI number. The Marine Radio Licence is valid indefinitely with no expiry date or renewal fees. It is also not restricted to recreational or commercial use. Obtaining this licence typically involves enrolling in a course and passing an exam.
Amateur Radio Licence
Amateur radio licensing in Australia is overseen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Australian Maritime College (AMC). There are different classes of amateur radio licences available:
- Foundation Class Licence: This licence grants access to specific frequency bands and modes of transmission, including portions of the 10-metre, 2-metre, and 70-centimetre bands using AM, SSB, and FM voice, as well as hand-keyed Morse code.
- Standard Class Licence: This licence provides access to all the foundation class bands and additional bands, such as 20 metres, 6 metres, and 23 centimetres. Licence holders can use any emission mode as long as their transmissions do not exceed a certain bandwidth.
- Advanced Class Licence: The highest-level licence, granting access to all the standard class bands and additional bands like 2200 metres, 630 metres, and 160 metres. Advanced licence holders can use any bandwidth on the 70-centimetre band and higher.
Class Licence
A class licence permits the operation of common radio devices on shared frequencies. This type of licence is commonly associated with amateur radio operations and allows users to operate within specified bandplans and operating conditions. There are generally no fees or applications required for a class licence.
Apparatus Licence
An apparatus licence authorises the operation of specific licensed devices. These licences are typically issued for a period of one year.
Spectrum Licence
A spectrum licence permits the use of multiple radio devices within a designated area and frequency range. Spectrum licences are often auctioned to allocate the radio spectrum efficiently.
ACMA Two-Way Radio Licence
This licence is required for legally operating commercial and professional-grade two-way radios in Australia. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issues this licence, granting the licensee a dedicated frequency to minimise interference. Operating licensable two-way radios without this licence can result in fines, equipment confiscation, or even legal consequences for repeat offenders.
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The use of MMSI numbers in emergency situations
The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is a unique 9-digit number assigned to a vessel or maritime object, acting as its international maritime telephone number. MMSI is essential for emergency situations, serving as a vital data point for emergency services to identify a vessel in distress and coordinate search and rescue operations.
In Australia, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issues MMSI numbers to registered vessels, coast stations, and handheld VHF radios with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capabilities. To obtain an MMSI number in Australia, boat owners must first obtain a Marine Radio Licence and complete an MMSI application (Form 89) online or by downloading the form. This process ensures that the vessel's information is accurately recorded in the AMSA database.
When transmitting a distress signal using marine radio equipment, the vessel's unique MMSI number is included in the transmission. This allows emergency services to swiftly identify the vessel in need of assistance. Additionally, if the DSC-equipped radio is linked to a GPS or Loran unit, the distress call will also include the vessel's precise position, further aiding emergency response.
The World Radio Conference in Geneva in 1997 (WRC-97) recognised the importance of MMSI in emergency situations and adopted Resolution 344 to address the exhaustion of MMSI resources. MMSI numbers are now carefully managed to ensure their availability for emergency purposes.
It is important to note that MMSI numbers are not just for individual vessels. Group MMSI numbers are used by fleets and yacht races, allowing safety and urgency DSC calls to be sent to multiple vessels simultaneously. This feature enhances emergency response capabilities, particularly in organised maritime events.
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Frequently asked questions
The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is a unique, nine-digit identification number issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). It is used to identify a vessel or coast station and is required for certain marine radio communications equipment.
Before applying for an Australian MMSI number, you must have the following:
- A vessel registered in Australia (excluding the Northern Territory)
- An ACMA maritime ship station licence and callsign for an MF/HF transceiver
- Marine radio operator qualifications, such as the Short Range Certificate of Proficiency or the Long Range Certificate
To obtain an MMSI number in Australia, you need to complete an MMSI application form. You can apply online or download the form from the AMSA website. The required form for Australian-registered vessels is Form 89.
Obtaining an MMSI number itself does not incur a cost. However, acquiring the prerequisite marine radio operator qualifications can range from $279 for the VHF (SROCP) Marine Radio Licence Complete Course to $279 for the VHF & MF/HF (LROCP) Marine Radio Licence Complete Course, depending on your specific needs and requirements.
