How to obtain an MMSI number

What is an MMSI number

The MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identities) number is a worldwide unique identification number for your vessel. DSC devices, AIS transmitters and EPIRB’s on board the vessel use this number to identify you. Without an MMSI number, this equipment cannot work, similar to how a telephone cannot work without a telephone number, so it is important to enter it as soon as possible.

Note: DSC radio’s can still be used as conventional voice-only radio’s even without an MMSI.

An SRC (or LRC) is required to obtain an MMSI number

What is an SRC (Short Range Certificate)

An SRC is an operator license for marine VHF equipment. It is valid worldwide, does not expire, does not require an annual license fee, and can be obtained by attending a 1 day course at your local sailing/boating school/club, passing the SAMSA exam, and then applying for the certificate at SAMSA.

The excellent course material for the SAMSA SRC exam is available from SA Sailing website here.

More free course training material is available by eGMDSS here, or through IYT here.

In order to ensure that maritime communications remain effective, it is worldwide compulsory to hold an SRC operator certificate to use the equipment.

Find a training centre for your SRC here:

(let us know if you would like to have your school listed here!)

      How to obtain an MMSI number in South Africa

      In South Africa, the MMSI code is issued by ICASA. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get yours:

      OPTION 1 (do it yourself):

      1. register an account with ICASA here: https://online.icasa.org.za/
      2. Login to your ICASA account and click on “apply” for Radio Frequency Spectrum


      3. Proceed to fill in your details, attach your SRC certificate and click submit. You will receive an email requesting a once-off fee of R502 (2025) for the ship station registration.
      4. Once processed, you will receive a further email requesting payment of the license fee:
        • R196.00 1 year license fee
          or
        • R817.00 5 year license fee (2025)
      5. Your application will be processed and you will be emailed your ship station with callsign and MMSI number

      OPTION 2 (we do it for you):

      We do all the work for you! Simply supply us with the following:

      • Copy of your ID or passport
      • SAMSA SRC Certificate.
      • Authorisation letter to do the application on your behalf. Download sample here.
      • Physical address, contact number, nationality, vessel name, -purpose and -tonnage, and details of other radio’s on board if applicable. Download form here.
      • R502.00 for ship station registration + R817.00 for 5 year license + R300.00 (incl VAT) processing fee = R1,619.00. See payment details here.

      Contact us for further assistance.

      Obtaining an MMSI in the UK

      In the UK, MMSI numbers are issued by Ofcom. They can be obtained online at no cost here and are issued immediately on completion of the application, which may be based on a physical address and contact details outside of the UK. The vessel must be registered in the UK, and the applicant must declare that he/she in in possession of an SRC. SAMSA will not accept a UK MMSI number for the annual COF inspection.

      Ofcom also offer “Ship Portable Radio License” MMSI numbers for handheld radios. This very sensibly acknowledges that handheld radios are often used by the same person on board various vessels. Unfortunately, these MMSI numbers are only valid in the UK and it is not clear if rescue authorities outside the UK would respond to distress calls from such MMSI numbers.

      Considering the above, it is recommended for radio users in South Africa to follow the correct procedure and obtain an MMSI number by registering with ICASA as described above.