Select an AIS and register it

[svcheshirecat]

I should buy a transceiver (transponder) - one that both receives and transmits. The transmit capability is more expensive, but probably worth it in the long run. Especially for foggy ports, so large ocean-going ships can see me.
It needs to have an internal antenna splitter so I can use only one antenna. Two antennas, unless they are spaced far enough apart, will limit transmission.

I bought the em-trak B954. It has an internal antenna splitter. It is an SODTMA 5-Watt transponder. It should integrate nicely with my SeaTalk NMEA 2000 Network to my Garmin chart plotter. It has wireless and Bluetooth capability. It does not have an included VHF marine band radio, but this is good because I do not want to put all my eggs into one basket.

I will need to get an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number. MMSI is a nine-digit number assigned to a marine radio & transfers your registration information to the U.S. Coast Guard for use in emergency situations.

For a pleasure sailing boat making international voyages, obtaining an MMSI number involves applying for an FCC ship station license. The FCC will issue an MMSI number with a Ship Station License.

First, I will have to get an FCC Registration Number (FRN). This is required to do business with the FCC and is needed to get an MMSI.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please submit a help request at https://www.fcc.gov/wtbhelp or call the FCC Licensing Support Center at (877) 480-3201.

To get my FRN:
https://fccprod.servicenowservices.com/ ... 41f54bcbba