Boat registration number, Boat name and Call sign... How does this work?

[SinWolf]

Good day,


I hope some members can possibly assist with some clarifications. My question is related to VHF comms in an offshore setup.

I went through the "Ausfish Members Call Sign & Radio Register" sticky and this is one of the reasons for my confusion


I have booked a short range certificate of proficiency course which I will do in a couple of weeks... maybe I can get my answers there... but in the mean time, I thought I would ask here as well...


So... you get boat registration numbers, which you get when you register the vessel (also known as the Unique Vessel Identifier).


Then you get a call sign.


Then you get a boat name.


How do all these link together? I see people refer to their call sign as, for example, VK32 (or something similar which looks like a random generated number). Or people would refer to their call sign as, for example, "Wave Jumper", which is clearly the vessel name.


Do you get assigned with a call sign? Or do you apply for this? Or do you just use your boat name? (Although your boat name is not necessarily unique).


I see that the MMSI application asks for a boat name and a call sign...


Can anybody perhaps clarify this for me and explain how it all fits together and how it works?

Thanks

[Dignity]

Welcome to Ausfish. Unless you have a real need for a MMSI then you don't need to get one, generally if you are travelling internationally or are a commercial operator then it isn't necessary. My boats vessel is Dignity but I also have a call sign MBA 2xxx which is given to me by the Mooloolaba Coast Guard of which I am a member and I strongly suggest that you join your local Coast Guard or Volunteer Rescue group (one day the state govt here in QLD will join the two into one major organisation - don't hold your breath).

The advantages of the call sign are that it is unique to your vessel e.g. there are a few boats called Dignity around, the boat details etc other than POB does not need to be repeated each time you log on and it is easily shared with other Coast Guards in the state and can not be mistaken for another vessel.

As you mention you will learn most of this at your course, good luck and enjoy your boating.

[SinWolf]

Welcome to Ausfish. Unless you have a real need for a MMSI then you don't need to get one, generally if you are travelling internationally or are a commercial operator then it isn't necessary. My boats vessel is Dignity but I also have a call sign MBA 2xxx which is given to me by the Mooloolaba Coast Guard of which I am a member and I strongly suggest that you join your local Coast Guard or Volunteer Rescue group (one day the state govt here in QLD will join the two into one major organisation - don't hold your breath).

The advantages of the call sign are that it is unique to your vessel e.g. there are a few boats called Dignity around, the boat details etc other than POB does not need to be repeated each time you log on and it is easily shared with other Coast Guards in the state and can not be mistaken for another vessel.

As you mention you will learn most of this at your course, good luck and enjoy your boating.

Thanks...My only reason for getting the MMSI is for the VHF DSC function... I am aware that this DSC function is not necessarily monitored by the CG... But I want to have as many safety "devices" in place as possible, and this is just another layer of safety...

I had a look at the NSW Marine Rescue page, and they don't seem to have a "membership" other than joining as a volunteer, which I really want to do... But I'm not sure if this is feasible for me sitting in Canberra? (I will basically only go to the coast, Batemans bay, for a fishing trip).

We will consider moving closer to the coast in QLD in about 3 years, then I will most definitely want to join as a volunteer, but then I'll be closer to the coast which I assume will make more sense?

Thanks for the info thus far!! It's much appreciated.

[Dignity]

Not sure how Marine Rescue NSW works, give hhem a call is the quickest way.

[SAF]

Hi - Go to Marine Rescue Batemans Bay website and join the Radio Club membership. VMR will issue you with a call sign eg BM1234. They're great bunch and any issues give them a call. I too am in Canberra. Cheers