Answer
A- It is a unique 9 digit number assigned to –
a.Maritime radio stations on vessel
b.Fixed off-shore platforms
c.Coast stations
d.Maritime communciatn devices
-It acts like maritime ‘phone number’ that enables vessels & maritime entities to be identified & contacted digitaly over radio channels, especially for safety, communication, navig atn & tracking purposes.
- It consists of 3 Maritime Identificatn digits (MID) indicating the country issuing the no., followed by 6 digits unique to the vessel or staten.
- MMSI typically changes if the flag of the ship changes.
- Purpose – Facilitates automated distress alerts, position reporting, vessel tracking via AIS & direct digital communication b/w vessels & costal statns.