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.

To consult the maritime data base click here.