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MMSIs for Search and Rescue Aircraft

AIS and DSC equipment used on search and rescue aircraft use the format 111213M4I5D6X7X8X9 where the digits 4, 5 and 6 represent the MID and X is any figure from 0 to 9.   In the United States, these MMSIs are currently only used by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The MMSI 111366770 is being considered in the U.S. for use by ditching aircraft transmitting a VHF DSC distress message to nearby ships.

Caution: AIS broadcasts from SAR aircraft will generally be shown on ship navigation displays in the following manner:

  • MMSI Identity Range 111 MID 000 to 111 MID 099: No Display at all
  • MMSI Identity Range 111 MID 100 to 111 MID 499: Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • MMSI Identity Range 111 MID 500 to 111 MID 999: Helicopter

 (See IEC 62288:2021 Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems - Presentation of navigation-related information on shipborne navigational displays - General requirements, methods of testing and required test results)

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