Which two entities are authorized to issue MMSI numbers for non-SOLAS class vessels?

Which two entities are authorized to issue MMSI numbers for non-SOLAS class vessels?

• A. Boat U.S. Boat Owners Association of the United States and MariTEL
• B. Federal Communications Commission
• C. International Telecommunication Union
• D. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Answer: (A)

MMSI numbers are the unique identifiers used in AIS and other maritime radio services to identify vessels. For vessels that aren’t SOLAS ships, the authority to issue MMSI numbers in the United States rests with private organizations that the FCC has designated to handle non-SOLAS assignments. The two entities tasked with this are Boat U.S. Boat Owners Association and MariTEL. They issue MMSI numbers to eligible boat owners (often members) to enable AIS/DSC functionality on recreational and small commercial vessels. The FCC oversees the authorization, but these private issuers do the actual issuing. The International Telecommunication Union handles international SOLAS MMSI assignments, and NOAA does not issue MMSIs.

MMSI numbers are the unique identifiers used in AIS and other maritime radio services to identify vessels. For vessels that aren’t SOLAS ships, the authority to issue MMSI numbers in the United States rests with private organizations that the FCC has designated to handle non-SOLAS assignments. The two entities tasked with this are Boat U.S. Boat Owners Association and MariTEL. They issue MMSI numbers to eligible boat owners (often members) to enable AIS/DSC functionality on recreational and small commercial vessels. The FCC oversees the authorization, but these private issuers do the actual issuing. The International Telecommunication Union handles international SOLAS MMSI assignments, and NOAA does not issue MMSIs.