PUBLIC NOTICE![](media/image1.png){width="0.6541666666666667in"
height="0.6604166666666667in"}

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

445 Twelfth Street, S.W.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 **DA 03-1711**

News media information 202/418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830 Internet:
http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov

**Released: May 15, 2003**

WIRELESS TELECOMUNICATIONS BUREAU PROMOTES INCREASED MARTIME SAFETY BY
EXPANDING COLLECTION OF MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE INFORMATION

On December 23, 2002, the Public Safety and Private Wireless Division,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a Public Notice inviting
parties to file comments regarding a request submitted by the National
GMDSS Implementation Task Force (Task Force)[^1] that the Commission
expand its Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) database to
incorporate additional data fields in accordance with the recommendation
in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly Resolution
A.887(21).[^2] The Task Force suggested that the change be implemented
by revising the Commission's application forms to require submission of
the expanded data when applying for a station license and when renewing
such licenses. All of the comments we received supported the
request.[^3] We have reviewed the record, and find that the adding the
additional data fields is appropriate and will improve search and rescue
operations.

In this regard, we conclude that adding the additional data fields is
warranted because the efficiency and ease of use of the new GMDSS radio
system has resulted in a substantial increase in advertent transmission
of false alerts, particularly by vessels using the system voluntarily
whose operators are not required to be trained or licensed.[^4] The U.S.
Coast Guard utilizes the information available from numerous databases,
including the Commission's MMSI database, to enhance response to GMDSS
distress alerts. The collection of the additional data fields
recommended by the IMO will improve the validation process, which will
help prevent the unnecessary launching of search and rescue assets.

Specifically, the Commission will collect the recommended data for each
vessel (data that the Commission does not currently collect from
applicants is indicated with an asterisk):

1.  ship name;

2.  Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI);

3.  call sign;

4.  \*EPIRB Identification Code (if applicable) and its homing
    frequency;

5.  country;

6.  ship identification number (IMO number or national registration
    number);

7.  brief ship description;

8.  \*name, address, telephone and telefax number of emergency contact
    person ashore;[^5]

9.  \*alternative 24-hour emergency telephone number (alternative
    contact ashore); [^6]

10. \*capacity for persons on board (passengers and crew);

11. \*radio installation (Inmarsat-A,B,C,D, VHF DSC, etc.) for ship and
    survival craft;

12. identification number for all radio systems available;

13. \*type and number of survival craft; and

14. date of last modification of database record.

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is in the process of enhancing
the Universal Licensing System (ULS) to allow the database to collect
the additional data. A separate Public Notice will be released when the
ULS enhancements are deployed.

For further information, contact Ghassan Khalek of the Policy and Rules
Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-0680, TTY (202) 418-7233, or via
email to gkhalek@fcc.gov.

By the Chief, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau.

\- FCC -

[^1]: The National GMDSS Implementation Task Force is chartered by the
    United States Coast Guard to supplement government functions in
    expediting the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and
    Safety System (GMDSS) introduced by the International Maritime
    Organization.

[^2]: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Request that
    the Commission Collect Full Maritime Mobile Service Identity Data
    Set Recommended by the International Maritime Organization, *Public
    Notice*, DA 02-3563 (WTB PSPWD rel. Dec. 23, 2002).

[^3]: Comments were received from the Task Force, Owen Anderson, Richard
    K. Bass, William R. Berkley, David Billstrom, the Boat Owners
    Association of the United States, CSX Lines, LLC, Hudson P. Hoen
    III, Chip Lohman, Marine Computer Systems, Inc., the North Pacific
    Marine Radio Council, the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Committee, the
    Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services, Terry Stout, the
    United Safe Boating Institute, and Robert A. Winfield.

[^4]: CSX Lines comments at 2.

[^5]: The Commission will collect this information, but not make the
    information publicly available. The information will be provided
    only to the United States Coast Guard.

[^6]: The Commission will collect this information, but not make the
    information publicly available. The information will be provided
    only to the United States Coast Guard.