Renters usage of handheld VHF/DSC

[andifreed]

I just got a handheld VHF radio with DSC, but I don't own a boat yet.
I thought I could just set it to the boat that I'm on, but apparently once it is set it can not be changed without a visit to the factory. So I would like to obtain a personal MMSI number. I've read that an FCC registration is required to use it outside of the US. Looking over their website and forms, think it maybe easier to just live with what comes with the boat.

Have you successfully registered your MMSI, and other licenses needed for using this outside the US?
Do you update your registration for each charter?
How late can you wait to update it before you board?

[katsailor]

I thought FCC was only applicable inside US waters, that's what Federal means

[jackdale]

MMSI numbers are international and are registered to a vessel.

[night0wl]

BoatUS issues MMSI for use in US Waters only.

[chucklesR]

Take it, use it, as a VHF and register it when you get a boat.
It's only got a range of 5-7 miles.

If the reason you are taking it is so you can talk to other crew on land there are better, and more legal ways.

[Minnewaska]

How often do you charter and where?

If you must, get an international MMSI for your portable radio, not the boat. I'm not certain, but I suspect most charter boats don't have an MMSI anyway. I've never come across the info on one.

The international MMSI numbers will cost you. Boat US are free, but limited to the USA. You also require a Restricted Radio Operators license, which also costs a few bucks, but is good for a lifetime. You just need to keep your address current.

[eherlihy]

This came up in another thread a few weeks ago. I suggested (and still do) that if you don't own a vessel, you purchase a handheld VHF without DSC capability.

However, what I learned in that thread is;

The [BoatUS] MMSI is associated with the INDIVIDUAL and not the vessel... The MMSI database entry, however, does identify the vessel, hailing port and emergency points of contact.

You could go to the BoatUS MMSI Database entry page, and update it every time that you charter a new vessel.

Here is a link to that thread; http://www.sailnet.com/forums/electronics/96502-choosing-specing-vhf-radio.html"

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by night0wl

BoatUS issues MMSI for use in US Waters only.

Sorry - In Canada we do not not have the equivalent method..

[andifreed]

I did register on BoatUS, they did not require me to specify a boat. There was a comment block, where I did enter the club (and phone) where I pickup a boat that is not chartered for 70% of the cost on the day. If I get a longer charter I will update the registration.
I thought that I would just leave the radio at home if out of US, but some one suggested keeping it in the ditch bag, I'll have bigger issues if I have to ditch than license. But he also suggested to get the operators license anyway as that it truely for the individual.

[tombesore]

For emergency use aboard other people's boats, I've purchased a small personal locator beacon known as the ACR ResQlink. I feel more comfortable having this registered beacon on my person rather than rely upon the boat owner as to whether he has a properly registered and operational emergency beacon for the boat itself.

This small PLB is registered to the individual rather than a boat and the online registration can be updated with pertinent details prior to each new adventure. This might be an additional or alternative means to accomplish your purposes in having a handheld radio with DSC capability.