Radiocommunications

MMSI Number

To use a fixed or portable VHF radio, a beacon or any other radioelectric equipment on board a ship, an administrative authorization is required, called a "license", which is renewed every year. If the radio equipment you use requires so, a 9-digit numeric code called MMSI is assigned to your station (e.g.: VHF DSC, EPIRB beacon, ..). In case of distress at sea, the MMSI allows for a safe and fast identification of the ship and its owner by the rescue centers.

National Radio Frequencies Agency (ANFR)

To apply for a licence and an MMSI number, please contact the RIF team at rif@mer.gouv.fr. We will forward the licence application to the ANFR.
This only applies to vessels registered with the RIF. If this is not the case, please contact the ANFR directly.

To consult the maritime data base click here.