GPSMAP 3206/3210 Owner’s Manual 10aPPendIX > dIgItal selectIve callIng (dsc)appendIXWhat is a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)?Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) allows a VHF radio to act like aphone. To make a “call” on a phone, you first need a phone number to dial. The9-digit MMSI number acts like a phone number when used in a Position Reportand as a unique identifier to the Coast Guard when used in an emergency distresscall. To obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, users mustregister their VHF radio with the FCC (Form 605). Garmin does not supply thisnumber!How Are MMSI Assignments Obtained?Non-commercial users (recreational users who remain in domestic waters andonly carry VHF, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, andRadar)) are not required to have a FCC ship station license. The FCC and CoastGuard have authorized some second and third-party vendors to assign MMSInumbers. This service is limited to registering recreational vessels only. Toreceive information on how to obtain a recreational MMSI number, visit:www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm or wireless.fcc.gov/marine/.Non-Federal Users in the United StatesCommercial users, or those who travel outside the U.S.A. or Canada, must applyfor a ship station license, or an amendment to a ship station license. To find outif you require a Ship Station license, visit: wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html.If your vessel requires licensing by the FCC, you can obtain a MMSI during theapplication/licensing process when you file FCC Forms 159 and 605.Federal Users in the United StatesFederal users can obtain MMSI assignments from their agency radio spectrummanagement office. These procedures are currently under review by the NTIA(National Telecommunications and Information Administration).Users Outside the United StatesUsers can obtain an MMSI assignment from their telecommunications authorityor ship registry, often by obtaining or amending their ship station license.Users in CanadaIndustry Canada is responsible for assigning MMSI numbers to commercial andrecreational vessels. Information is available at the following Web site:www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/mcts-sctm/docs/mmsi/MMSI_e.htm.For more information regarding MMSIs, visit:www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/mmsi.htm.How Can Garmin Help You with DSC?To receive Distress Calls or Position Reports, you must have a DSC-equippedchartplotter as well as a VHF radio with DSC support. During normal, non-emergency Position Report communication, Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) has beenset aside as the VHF/DSC digital call channel.For a Distress Call, a mariner presses the MayDay button on the VHF radio.The call transmits on an emergency channel with the MMSI number attached tothe call (if you have DSC support). Any DSC-equipped mariner (on sea or land)within range can receive the call.