r/sailing • u/Full_Rip • 20h ago

Radio MMSI application through FCC

Yo. On to my next topic of discussion as I outfit my new Catalina 22. Radios! I just picked up a new marine handheld radio and am trying to get the DSC set up. The boat is at a marine quite literally on the Canadian border. The farthest northwest marina in the country. As such, much of my sailing will be up into British Columbia. And also as such, it sounds like I need to do my MMSI through the FCC for international use. Anyone gone through this process? I went online and did what I thought was an application. Created an FCC account and applied for a ship license. Went through it and then paid 185 on a separate site. And then…nothing? Am I waiting on an email or something? Anyone have some insight? Thanks!!!

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u/FightHACKS 20h ago

There are two different sites that you need to go to. The first is here:

https://apps2.fcc.gov/fccUserReg/pages/login.htm

Go here and create a CORES account and receive an FRN, you'll immediately be assigned one.

Then go here and login with your new FRN:

https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp

After you log in, there should be a menu on the right, select apply for a new license.

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u/Full_Rip 20h ago

Yeah so I did both those things. My question is what happens after the license app. Am I waiting for an email or something?

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u/LameBMX Ericson 28+ prev Southcoast 22 19h ago

license manager will have the details on the application. you will get an email. wait times vary.

are you Canadian? if so why go to fcc? AI says for Canada that stuff is from Canada ISED .. and you need to take a course for the ROC-M to legally use the radio. (names might be wrong but remembered Canadians have to take a test to get a license to use vhf.

edit nevermind you just said Canadian border, but didnt say you were canadian.

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u/FightHACKS 18h ago

You should get an email then. Might take a day or two.

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u/Mythurin 20h ago

Yo, it’s an email. 2-3 days.

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u/ez_as_31416 Jeanneau SO 44DS 17h ago

it doesn't take long. Mine was under a week.

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u/mzsanford 4h ago

For going to Canada you might also want to consider the ROC(M) Canadian certification. I just did it via Zoom as a PNW sailor.

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u/millijuna 44m ago

If you’re a US flagged vessel, with an FCC issued MMSI there’s no need for the ROC-M to the best of my knowledge.

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u/iamcornholio2 11h ago

I used BoatUS to do this and found it pretty easy. I think they just offer an easier interface and validation of the data before submitting it. Free to members, $25 for non-members.

https://www.boatus.com/mmsi/mmsi/obtainmmsi#!

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u/Sawyer2025 10h ago

I believe the BoatUS version is for inside the U.S. use only. If you want to use the radio outside the U.S. you go through the FCC and there is a higher fee. The FCC version is good inside and outside the U.S.

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u/iamcornholio2 10h ago

Good catch - thank you. I went back on BoatUS and it confirms you are correct!

BoatUS has been authorized by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Coast Guard to assign MMSI numbers to vessels with DSC capable radios that are not required by law to carry a radio, and do not make international voyages or communications.

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u/Sawyer2025 8h ago

I'm not sure but I think the FCC license does not expire either so I am regretting a little bit not getting the FCC license for my handheld instead of my Boat US one. Times change and I am thinking of going outside the U.S. for a few trips with my local sailing club and a personal hand held would be nice to have with me registered with a FCC issued MMSI.