Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

[BugsBunnyBoater]

I might be wrong but there seems to be a lot of boaters who dont have MMSI numbers or radio's that can use them.
It seems like the MMSI system would be a good item to use.
I know I made sure I have a setup that would make full use of it.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

After 5 years of boating, I just installed my first fixed mount VHF radio. As part of the installation I was sure to connect the radio to my GPS (I use a simple handheld eTrex unit), and I programmed in my MMSI number. I don't have any on water experience with my set-up yet, but I am relieved to finally have a working VHF radio attached to my GPS.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Does the U.S. Coast Guard monitor DSC maydays?

Not completely nationwide yet, until Rescue 21 is declared operational throughout the continental U.S. by 2012 and, later (2011-17)for Alaska, Puerto Rico and Guam. However, Rescue 21 is operational on many coasts, for example, from New York to Florida and around the Gulf Coast to Houston as well as the Pacific Northwest. Commercial ships are required to monitor the DSC-reserved Channel 70 for distress calls and have relayed maydays to the Coast Guard. In an emergency, Channel 16 should be used first. (See implementation map at www.BoatUS.com/mmsi

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

You bet it is! I am working on installing all of the equipment now. (Hope to get it done next week.) We spend most of our boating time on the Chesapeake Bay so I know the Coast Guard is not far away. Plus there are a lot of other boats out there that could lend a hand too.

I will also be hooking it up to my handheld GPS unit to take full advantage of all of the resources. This will give my wife peace of mind as well, knowing that she can easily and simply talk to someone else if the need arises.

However I also have a M72 handheld radio as a backup on board at all times.

 

[skargo]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

I voted no, but will be getting my MMSI and hooking my radio to my GPS soon.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Yes. It is a safety issue. If the technology exists I take advantage of it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Like everything, it's a judgment call based on your boating habits. If you only boat on weekends in daylight, closed-in areas with other boat traffic, in a flotation positive small boat, with solid cell-phone and/or VHF connections, no. Oh, and you have a good anchor.
Larger boats going off-shore or remote areas, solo boaters, night, week-day and winter boaters, etc. why not if you have the other equipment. I'm getting ready to flush-mount my GPS and install a flush-mount VHF so I'll hook it up. But not on my smaller boats; not worth it.
I also believe that you can have too much stuff, especially in salt water, that might compromise your basic electrical systems. KISS.

 

[Nobody]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Yes - I have a DSC capable (and programmed) VHF on my 14ft tin boat that I run inshore with, if the system works as advertised it will a lot better than trying to explain (or give GPS cords) where I am on a cell phone to someone who probably isn't the proper or first responder.

Also planning on picking up a floating DSC capable hand held with built in GPS for backup or a sudden unexpected dunk in the water.

It it also a good idea when everyone on the boat understands the DSC procedure for the equipment that is installed.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

..... Channel 16 should be used first...

Thank you for posting the useful link.

I'm not sure why you would choose to use channel 16 first. If I needed to make a distress call I would first push the DSC distress buttton to send out the DSC call on channel 70. (Which only takes a few seconds to do.)

This is a digital message that sends out;

-the MMSI number of your vessel
-depending on your radios capabilities, the nature of your distress
-if linked to your GPS, the lat. and long. of your position

This message is continually transmitted on channel 70 until acknowledged by the Coast Guard and will be picked up by all vessels equipped with DSC radios that are in range and the information will be automatically stored in their radios.

If the Coast Guard does not respond immediately or you know that they are not DSC equipped in your location I would then follow up with a voice distress call on channel 16.

 

[highN'dry]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

I have received such alerts, I think it is a good thing. I have my Humminbird side scan GPS hooked up to my Humminbird VHF, displays lat/long on the radio screen, it is a Class D unit.

 

[cpubud]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

im all for safety,hopefully I will never need to send a signal, but its nice to know its there.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

I go out solo on Lake Ontario often 10 to 15 miles off shore.I would not dare do that without my Vhf/GPS hookup and the distress button on my radio.MMSI is great!

 

[mlaymance]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Yes It is for me as well. A definate safety enhancement to ANY boat.

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

No, I don't have an MMSI. I do have a fixed mount VHF as well as a handheld.

 

[skargo]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Finally got my MMSI, and hooked up my DSC VHS to my GPS. Piece of cake, not sure why I waited so long...

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Yes It is for me as well. A definate safety enhancement to ANY boat.

i wouldn't quite say ANY boat... about the only thing I could use a VHF radio for is maybe an emergency oar... (so obviously if a radio is of no use, MMSI isn't going to be much use either!)

 

[lime4x4]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

The other neat feature with mmsi numbers and if u have gps/plotter capable u can track your buddies on your gps if u know there mmsi number

 

[skargo]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

The other neat feature with mmsi numbers and if u have gps/plotter capable u can track your buddies on your gps if u know there mmsi number

I can't wait to do that!

 

[cwhite6]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

Like said, this is one of things that is dependant on where you boat. I am probably 100 miles from the closest Coastie. No commercial traffic here except the occasional barge up the Red River. So, in my case, a properly charged cell phone kept in a water proof container that is readily accessible is much more useful here. So, I voted no. However, if I had my wish and lived on the coast with a 25' WA, I would absolutely have one.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Is having a MMSI number and a radio important to to you?

It would be of no use where I boat. But I think it's great that the govt. is putting this system in place.