Dealing with a new (to me) boat, VHF, and MMSI resets

[joelkoz]

I've searched around the forums and haven't found a definitive answer to the question for my specific situation. I apologize if its redundant, but I could use some advice:

Back in November, I purchased a new-to-me 2001 Sea Ray Sedan Bridge. For its VHF radios, it has a Raymarine RAY 220 VHF.

I plan on doing cruising into foreign ports (Bahamas), so as near as I can tell, the process I need to follow is:

1) Obtain a Ship Station License from the FCC, which will result in me getting a new MMSI number.

2) Send the Ray 220 to an authorized Raymarine dealer (or to the factory) to reset the MMSI number that is programmed into the radio to my new number, as it can't be reset by the end user.

Do I have that right? I saw there was some secret reset code for those with Northstar radios, but could not locate anything about the Ray 220 that came with my boat.

Is the above the correct procedure? Is that "easier" than trying to figure out the current MMSI number and trying to somehow get myself associated with that? I am apparently the third owner of this boat, so I have no idea what the previous owner(s) did about the MMSI number, if their registrations were canceled, etc (though I suppose with a LOT of work, I could probably figure it out).

 

[joelkoz]

It figures that once you know the secret combination of what to ask, you can find the answers (I THINK) -

After typing my post, I had an idea and I re-formulated my Google query specifically to be "Ray 220 MMSI Reset", and I found this:

With the Power OFF, Press and HOLD the FUNC, 16/9 and DSC keys while you power ON. Do not release the keys until you hear the audio BEEP which means your done. Then reprogam your NMSI number as per the manual.

I'll try it next time I'm on the boat and report back if it works (unless someone else out there wants to confirm it ahead of time)!

 

[Phlorida]

You can get your MMSI number from BoatUS at http://www.boatus.com/MMSI/ I believe that you can also change the contact information of the existing MMSI # at the same site.

 

[joelkoz]

Well, that site was my starting point, but it says this:

If your vessel is required to carry a radio onboard (“Compulsory Equipped”), or if you plan to visit or communicate in a foreign port including Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, and the British Virgin Islands, DO NOT proceed with this application. You are legally required to obtain a Ship Station License from the FCC.

Since I'll be going to the Bahamas, that appears to mean the FCC license is required. I went ahead and I filled out the FCC on-line application this evening, but it was $160!

 

[joelkoz]

With the Power OFF, Press and HOLD the FUNC, 16/9 and DSC keys while you power ON. Do not release the keys until you hear the audio BEEP which means your done. Then reprogam your NMSI number as per the manual.

I just confirmed that the above does indeed work on the Ray 220.

 

[Sea Gull]

I think you have the process correct. You should call Raymarine to verify and check the price. I had to do the same thing some years ago.

 

[almostenuff]

I have a Ray 240. I have followed the directions to enter the MMSI (no ID entered). When I get to the end and select OK, it says "STORE FAILED". I am running the original v1.25 software. Any ideas?

 

[trit21]

Joel, there is no one that I know of that has an FCC license to cruise the Bahamas and I know people that have been going for 20 years. Not one person has ever been stopped or asked produce the license EVER.

 

[Molson]

Joel, there is no one that I know of that has an FCC license to cruise the Bahamas and I know people that have been going for 20 years. Not one person has ever been stopped or asked produce the license EVER.

To add to that, no one I know here in Canada, except for commercial operators and government, have a VHF licence either.