MMSI-Nummer und Schiffsfunklizenz für Yachten

• Official 9-digit MMSI number
• Call sign for your yacht
• Ship radio licence from the flag state
• Covers DSC VHF (fixed and handheld), AIS, EPIRB and radar
• Linked to your yacht’s flag and registration
• Recognised internationally under ITU rules
• One-off price incl. VAT – no annual fees

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MMSI number and radio licence prices by flag

Our prices for preparing and filing the MMSI and ship radio licence application with the flag state’s radio authority. All prices include VAT and there are no annual or yearly licence management fees.

Marshall Islands: radio licences are included in the registry fees. Other flags: price on request – we confirm it before you start.

What is an MMSI number?

An MMSI is a unique 9-digit number assigned to a ship station under International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rules. It works like a phone number for your yacht’s radio equipment: it is programmed into your DSC VHF radio, your AIS transponder and is linked to your EPIRB. The first three digits are the Maritime Identification Digits (MID), which show the country of your flag – for example 261 for Poland or 232–235 for the United Kingdom.

Who needs an MMSI?

• Yachts with a DSC VHF radio – digital distress calls only work with an MMSI programmed in.
• Yachts with an AIS transponder (class A or B).
• Yachts carrying an EPIRB or other emergency beacon linked to the vessel.
• Yachts sailing internationally, where a ship radio licence from the flag state is required.

How to get an MMSI number for your yacht

1. Register the yacht under its flag (or have the registration in progress) – the MMSI is issued by the flag state, so the flag comes first.
2. List the radio equipment on board: DSC VHF, handheld VHF, AIS, EPIRB, HF/MF if fitted.
3. Apply for the ship radio licence with the flag state’s radio authority – for example UKE in Poland or Ofcom in the United Kingdom. VesselFlag prepares and files this for you.
4. Receive the licence with your call sign and MMSI.
5. Program the MMSI into your DSC radio and AIS (often done by a marine electronics dealer) and register or update your EPIRB.

Documents usually needed

• Registration certificate or provisional registration of the yacht
• Owner’s passport or ID, or company documents for company-owned yachts
• List of radio equipment (make and model of DSC VHF, AIS, EPIRB and its HEX ID)
• Details of the radio operator and their certificate (for example SRC or LRC), where the flag requires it
• Previous MMSI and call sign, if the yacht had them under another flag

MMSI country codes (MID) for popular flags

The first three digits of every ship MMSI identify the flag. Common Maritime Identification Digits:

Staying compliant with your radio licence

• The licence must match the flag – an MMSI is only valid under the flag state that issued it.
• Declared equipment must match what is on board – update the licence when you add or replace a radio, AIS or EPIRB.
• New owner, new licence – a ship radio licence is issued to the owner and is not transferred with the sale of the yacht.
• Keep the licence on board together with the registration certificate; port authorities and coast guards may ask for it.

Changing flag? Your MMSI changes too

Because the first three digits show the country, a yacht that changes flag receives a new MMSI from the new flag state. The old radio licence is surrendered, the new MMSI must be programmed into the DSC radio and AIS, and the EPIRB registration updated. We handle the new licence as part of your flag change.

MMSI questions

How long does it take to get an MMSI?

It depends on the flag: a UK (Ofcom) radio licence is usually issued in 1 day, a Polish licence in 4–6 weeks after the Polish registration is completed. For other flags we confirm the timeline before you order.

Can I keep my MMSI when I change flag?

No. The MMSI starts with the country code of the flag, so a new flag means a new MMSI and radio licence.

Do I need a radio operator certificate?

Usually yes – the person using the radio needs a certificate such as the Short Range Certificate (SRC). Some flags, such as Poland, name the operator on the licence.

Is the MMSI the same as the AIS number?

Yes. AIS transponders broadcast the same 9-digit MMSI that is assigned to your ship station.

Can VesselFlag get an MMSI if my yacht is registered elsewhere?

We prepare MMSI applications for yachts we register and for owners of Poland, UK Part 1, San Marino and Malta flagged yachts. For other flags, ask us and we confirm whether we can help.

Do I need the yacht registration before applying?

Yes, in most cases. The MMSI is issued by the flag state, so the registration (or at least a provisional registration) must exist first. For Poland, the radio licence is issued once the Polish registration is completed.

Can the radio licence be transferred to a new owner?

No. When the yacht is sold, the new owner applies for a new ship radio licence in their own name. Under the same flag the MMSI can often stay with the yacht.

Which equipment must I declare?

All radio equipment on board: fixed and handheld DSC VHF radios, AIS transponder, EPIRB and PLB linked to the yacht, radar and any MF/HF radio.

Are there any yearly fees for the MMSI radio licence?

No. Our MMSI and radio licence prices are one-off prices including VAT, with no annual or yearly licence management fees.

Learn more in our complete MMSI guide, or see all Optionen zur Registrierung von Flaggen.

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