Does a mmsi number stay with a vessel when there is transfer of ownership and does the new owner update the details on record with the AMSA or does the new owner apply for a new mmsi number.
HI Cammd,
Yes, the MMsi stays with the boat for the Epirb and if you have a DSC VHF radio.
The seller has to log on and change his beacon ownership to 'sold'.
The buyer then applies using a normal registration process but you might get asked to supply the sellers name.
The AMSA account registration is good and easy to manage all your personal and boat mmsi's.
Cheers,
SB
Select to expand quoteshaggybaxter said..
HI Cammd,
Yes, the MMsi stays with the boat for the Epirb and if you have a DSC VHF radio.
The seller has to log on and change his beacon ownership to 'sold'.
The buyer then applies using a normal registration process but you might get asked to supply the sellers name.
The AMSA account registration is good and easy to manage all your personal and boat mmsi's.
Cheers,
SB
It is my understanding that the number that an epirb transmits is not the same as the MMSI used for DSC. Happy to be corrected though. 
Select to expand quoteUncleBob said..shaggybaxter said..
HI Cammd,
Yes, the MMsi stays with the boat for the Epirb and if you have a DSC VHF radio.
The seller has to log on and change his beacon ownership to 'sold'.
The buyer then applies using a normal registration process but you might get asked to supply the sellers name.
The AMSA account registration is good and easy to manage all your personal and boat mmsi's.
Cheers,
SB
It is my understanding that the number that an epirb transmits is not the same as the MMSI used for DSC. Happy to be corrected though.
G'day UncleBob,
I had the one MMSI for the DSC and the boat EPIRB as both transmit the boat specific details. A personal EPIRB is different as it knows nothing about the boat, it transmits your personal details.
The DSC does not have its own separate MMSI. You have to program your boat's MMSI into your DSC.
Your EPIRB is not programmed with an MMSI but comes with its own built-in unique ID (the "hex" ID code), which is linked in AMSA's records with your boat's MMSI (provided you have advised them of course). So UncleBob is right. Then when you set the EPIRB off, its hex ID allows them to directly access your MMSI and other details, which is why it's essential to register it with AMSA.
Cheers, Graeme
Ok, to install an AIS on my vessel, I needed to get a MMSI to get an MMSI I needed to gain a VHF radio operator license. So I assume a new owner of my vessel, if I sell it, will be able to blunder along with or without a VHF license? EPIRB is different with its own unique identifier that needs to be registered to the vessel and operatorCheers Richard
I believe all the above is correct, and the odd and inconsistent can be explained by the fact that AMSA is primarily interested in commercial vessels, the whole AIS, DSC, EPIRB etc has been developed world wide for commercial traffic, we are just tagging along, 
Yes, blundering along is pretty much de rigeur for many owners of VHF sets. While anyone can legally use it in an emergency, in theory they can't do a radio check or any other transmission without their certificate.
The chopper guys probably won't ask to see your MROCP before they pluck you from the heaving breakers.
I suppose it's legal to turn it on and just listen???
Select to expand quotewongaga said..
The DSC does not have its own separate MMSI. You have to program your boat's MMSI into your DSC.
Your EPIRB is not programmed with an MMSI but comes with its own built-in unique ID (the "hex" ID code), which is linked in AMSA's records with your boat's MMSI (provided you have advised them of course). So UncleBob is right. Then when you set the EPIRB off, its hex ID allows them to directly access your MMSI and other details, which is why it's essential to register it with AMSA.
Cheers, Graeme
Thanks Graeme, that's a much clearer and better..er explanation!
Is there an avenue for those who want an MMSI for AIS and not a DSC . I seem to recall a form for an MMSI number for navigation purposes solely and to be programmed into an AIS and not a VHF,,,, is that the case?
Hi Jolene,
I just bought a new VHF DSC with AIS earlier this week. I don't think you need the MMSI if you buy the AIS receiver, as I did. If you go with the transmit and receive AIS pretty sure you'll need the MMSI. Because my radio has DSC it was a no brainer, I needed the MMSI.Currently all commercial vessels need Class A or B AIS transceiver setups but recreational users don't. Quite the cost difference unless you buy just the AIS unit on its own.
When I fired up the radio for the first time, it was one of the first things I needed to input. I skipped the MMSI input step and setup the AIS which functions perfectly without it, but the DSC wouldn't work and it's one of the main features I was looking for.
To apply for an MMSI you need to provide proof of your MROVCP certificate. Got mine eons ago. It said on their site 1-2 weeks to process but took just 2 days.
Pretty quick turnaround. V happy with the radio Lowrance Link 9.
DM
I got my MROCP in 2004, the licence fell apart in my wallet years ago. Currently awaiting AMC to reissue a replacement one so I can provide proof to AMSA required to get the details changed on the MMSi attached to my yacht ... Lots abbreviations associated with this process.
