What Is An Mmsi Number; Entering Mmsi Numbers - West Marine VHF490 Owner's Manual

What is an MMSI Number?

In order to use DSC features, you must be assigned an MMSI number and program that number into your radio. There are two kinds of MMSI
numbers: individual numbers for use by single boats and group numbers for use by fleets, boating organizations, event coordinators, etc.
You can get more information on MMSI numbers at these resources:
• The dealer where you purchased the radio
• Recreational boaters can obtain an MMSI number from the Boat Owner' s Association of the U.S. (http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/
or call 800-563-1536) or Sea Tow Services International (http://seatow. com/boating_safety/mmsi.asp)
• Commercial boaters need a ship station license to get an MMSI number. For more information, visit the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/ fctsht14.html.

Entering MMSI Numbers

Individual or User MMSI Number
NOTE: Be sure you have the correct User MMSI number before entering it in the radio. The radio only allows you to enter the
user MMSI once. If you need to re-enter the User MMSI number, contact customer service (1-800-BOATING).
Follow the steps below to enter your individual or user MMSI number into the radio:
CALL
1. Display the normal menu and choose the Setup sub-menu.
2. Select User MMSI. (If an MMSI number was already entered, the screen displays it with the message Cannot change over 1
time. Contact customer service (1-800-BOATING).
3. Use CHANNEL UP and CHANNEL DOWN to enter the first of the nine digits; CHANNEL UP increases the number and
CHANNEL DOWN decreases it.
4. When the first digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The cursor moves to the next digit. Enter the remaining eight digits of the
MMSI number in the same way. If you make a mistake while entering a number, press CLR-SCAN to erase the wrong number
and the cursor is moved to the left digit.
5. When the ninth digit is correct, press ENT-1W/25W. The radio displays the new MMSI number and asks you to confirm.
NOTE: Be sure you entered the number correctly before confirming the entry. You can only save the user MMSI once.
6. To save this MMSI number, select Yes, then confirm the number. To cancel this MMSI number, select No. The radio returns to
the Setup menu.
Group MMSI Number
You can change the group MMSI number as often as you want. Follow the steps below to enter a group MMSI number into the radio:
ENT
1W/25W
ENT
1W/25W
VHF490 RADIO
ENT
1W/25W
1-800-BOATING
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