If you boat in an area close to foreign ports, such as off the tip of Florida, it may be a good idea to go ahead and get a ship station license. You never know who might be able to come to your aid if you ever get in trouble out on the water.

Boat US: https://www. boatus. com/MMSI/MMSI/Home US Power Squadron: http://www. usps. org/php/mmsi_new

Each organization has various membership levels. Annual dues range from $25 to $175. Perks of membership may include tow service or other assistance if you run into problems while boating. To join, look for a button or link on the organization’s home page. You’ll need to provide your name, contact information, your boat’s specifications, and payment information.

You’ll also need to provide the name and phone number of at least one emergency contact.

If you make a mistake, you may have to send your radio back to the manufacturer to get it cleared.

After you create your account, you’ll receive your FRN. You’ll need this number to apply for an MMSI.

Once you click submit to log in, click the “Apply for a New License” tab to start a new online license application.

While you can get a voluntary MMSI through the FCC, it will be cheaper and easier to go through an authorized boating organization if you won’t be near any foreign ports.

You’ll have the opportunity to review your application before you submit it. Double-check everything you’ve entered and make sure it’s correct. Mistakes could delay your application.

As of September 2018, the FCC no longer accepts checks or money orders for payment of fees. If you don’t want to submit your payment information over the internet, you can fill out Form 159 and mail it in with credit card or wire transfer information. Form 159 is available at https://www. fcc. gov/licensing-databases/forms. It must be received within 10 days of the date you file your application. Your license is valid for 10 years. To renew your license, you’ll have to provide the same information you did with your initial application and pay another fee.

If you provided a valid email address, the FCC will email your license and MMSI to you when your application is processed. You can also access your license and MMSI by logging onto your FCC account with your FSN and password. You can also check the status of your application at http://wireless2. fcc. gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl. jsp.

Provide information about yourself and your boat. Your FRN will be issued immediately after you submit your information. There is no charge for an FRN. Copy it and keep it in a safe place so you’ll be able to access it when you complete your form.

If you don’t have reliable internet access or the means to print the form, contact the FCC Licensing Support Center at 877-480-3201 to have a blank form mailed to you.

The application includes instructions for providing the correct information. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand them. Incorrect or inaccurate information could delay your application.

To pay online, go to http://wireless. fcc. gov/uls and click on “Pay Fees” under the “Click Links” menu heading.

You can also have your forms hand-delivered by courier to US Bank, Attn: FCC Government Lockbox #979097, SL-MO-C2-GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.

You aren’t required to provide an email address. You can also access your form by logging onto your FCC account online using your FRN and the password you created when you opened your account.