How to reprogram your VHF MMSI number

An MMSI (or "Maritime Mobile Service Identity") number is a unique seried of digits which is use to identify radios and vessels with radios which have DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functionality.

To obtain and MMSI number you must register your vessel and radio with Ofom. For vessels, the MMSI number is issued to the vessel itself, meaning that all fixed radios onboard must be programmed with the same MMSI number. However, for handheld radios cabable of DSC calling, the MMSI number should be unique to each individual radio.

Perhaps you have purchased a used VHF radio, a used boat, or have simply incorrectly entered the MMSI number in your VHF. Whatever the reason, you may find yourself in a situation where you are stuck with the wrong MMSI number in your VHF radio.

The good news is that your MMSI can in fact be reset. To do this you must either send your radio back to the manufacturer or speak to a marine electronics specialist who has the appropriate equipment to do so.

For example, Sealutions Marine are an authorised ICOM radio programming centre, servicing the Solect, West Sussex and Hampshire. If you need your ICOM radio reprogrammed, get in touch with us and we will be happy to help!

We can also carry out the following VHF programming services:

• ICOM VHF radio MMS programming
• Cobra VHF radio MMSI programming
• Standard Horizon MMSI programming
• Channel programming for all of the above.

Contact us with your make, model and the programming service you require and we will be happy to advise.