Obtaining MMSIs for DSC-equipped Marine VHF Handhelds
A marine VHF handheld transceiver with DSC and an integral global navigation satellite system (e.g. GPS), not intended for dedicated use on a particular ship, is assigned a unique 9-digit number in the format 81M2I3D4X5X6X7X8X9. At present, only FCC and Shine Micro are providing and registering marine VHF handheld MMSIs.
Marine VHF handhelds licensed by rule
If the handheld is only to be used on boats “licensed by rule”, i.e. non-compulsory vessels not required to carry a radio and not going on foreign voyages, the VHF handheld MMSI may be obtained by a license-by-rule provider such as Shine Micro. VHF handhelds used for any other purpose must be licensed by the FCC and MMSI obtained from the FCC. MMSIs obtained by any other provider, including BOAT US and USPS, are currently limited to ship station MMSIs and should not be used with handhelds, unless the handheld is kept with and only used with a single vessel.
Marine VHF handhelds licensed by FCC
FCC offers two licensing options for Marine VHF Handheld Radios: SA Portable and Coast Station Handheld VHF. Further information can be found in the FCC VHF Handheld Stations webpage.
- SA Portable (ship recreational or voluntary equipped portable): Portable, used when operating VHF handhelds from ships, but not kept on a single ship. Examples include diver’s radios and portables used on various vessels on an as-needed basis.
- Marine Utility Station: VHF handheld intended for use on multiple vessels will be licensed as a portable (SA-Portable) ship station license. Used when operating a VHF handheld ashore. This station operates under the rules applicable to ship stations when the unit is aboard a vessel, and under the rules applicable to private coast stations when the unit is on land.
Marine VHF handhelds used ashore
FCC permits use of portable marine VHF radios ashore only in areas adjacent to the water, such as docks and beaches. In addition, onshore communications using such radios must relate to the operational and business needs of the associated vessel, and must be limited to the minimum practicable transmission time (See FCC Report and Order, WT Docket 14-36).
What to do when Selling or Disposing of your Radio or Radio-equipped Vessel