Maritime VHF Radio Callsigns & MMSI

It is a legal requirement to have a Maritime VHF Callsign if operating a Maritime VHF Radio in New Zealand. Vessels may be issued with either a VHF or a VHF/SSB*callsign. In New Zealand, callsigns commonly begin with the letters ZM followed by another letter and 4 numbers. For example ZMR7777. New Zealand registered vessels heading offshore may be recognized through their ZM callsign.

An MMSI is issued by Radio Spectrum Management and is permanently attached to a callsign. They must not be separated. 

An MMSI, once entered into a radio transmitter or AIS equipment, is very difficult and often costly to remove, therefore it is highly recommended that the callsign and MMSI remain with the vessel.

It is an offence to use a false MMSI or Callsign for a radio transmission.  

Maritime VHF radio callsigns are issued for vessels operating within New Zealand Waters only. New Zealand registered vessels heading offshore may require an individual ships radio license rather than the standard general user radio license.

A callsign & MMSI belongs to a person (the ‘holder’). If you purchase a vessel the callsign & MMSI does not automatically transfer with the vessel. Permission must be granted by the person who holds the callsign & MMSI to transfer the callsign to a new holder. Fees apply. The MMSI number will be emailed to you once processed.

Please Note:

New Zealand callsigns can only be issued to New Zealand vessels. If the vessel is registered overseas, then you must contact the licensing authority of that country to obtain a callsign.

All information is stored securely in the Coastguard National Database. If your callsign has an MMSI attached, your full name, callsign and vessel name are also published in a public register of callsigns. This includes the name and address of the licence holder. Individual persons as licence holders have the right to request that their residential address be withheld from public access. Requests must be made in writing to the Registrar of Radio Frequencies via email to rsmlicensing@mbie.govt.nz or PO Box 2847, Wellington..

If you are applying for a callsign for your Single Side Band Radio (SSB) you will need to contact us directly (via phone or email), please do not complete an online application.

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How to get your Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate

To sign up to a Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate course, please visit: Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate course

Ship Licences

Commercial vessels:
Requirements for radio operators on commercial vessels will vary depending on the radio equipment installed, number of passengers and requirements of current safety legislation. Owners should approach Maritime New Zealand (Ph: 0508 22 55 22) for further advice.

Maritime Vessels travelling overseas:

Maritime vessel operators that travel outside New Zealand waters may have difficulty convincing foreign maritime authorities that they hold a valid radio licence if operating under the NZ General User Radio Licence for Maritime Purposes. In these circumstances, you can choose to hold an individual licence and present a paper copy of this radio licence to foreign officials. An annual fee will apply.

Licence Information

A Maritime Ship (radio) Licence consists of a licence number, a call sign number, an MMSI number and depending on the vessel type, a radio telex number. The Maritime Ship Licence is an individual radio licence granted to the owner of the vessel.

The licence is recorded in the online Register of Radio Frequencies (RRF) and is recognized by overseas administrations under agreements with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). A certified extract of the maritime ship licence can be printed from the RRF (https://rrf.rsm.govt.nz) as evidence to provide to overseas port authorities. A “Ship” describes any vessel from a small run-about to an ocean going cargo vessel.

Vessels that require Maritime Ship Licences include:

• Any vessel leaving New Zealand and voyaging overseas

• Compulsory equipped vessels that use Morse code

• Compulsory equipped vessels that use radio telephone for charter services and public transport.

Note:

• Commercial and New Zealand registered vessels seeking special callsigns or four-letter callsigns (e.g. ZMAB) should contact Radio Spectrum Management on 0508 776436 or email info@rsm.govt.nz. 
• New Zealand callsigns can only be issued to New Zealand vessels. If the vessel is registered overseas then you must contact the licensing authority of that country to obtain a callsign. 
• To operate a MF/HF (SSB) radio, a Maritime Radio Restricted Operator Certificate (MRROC) is the minimum requirement.
• Full details are recorded in the Register of Radio Frequencies and made available for public inspection. This includes the name and address of the licence holder. Individual persons as licence holders have the right to request that their residential address be withheld from public access. Requests must be made in writing to the Registrar of Radio Frequencies via email to rsmlicensing@mbie.govt.nz or to PO Box 2847, Wellington.
  
  

Payment:
There is an annual licence fee payable for Ship's Licences. For details please contact Radio Spectrum Management on 0508 776436 or info@rsm.govt.nz.

To register an EPIRB visit www.beacons.org.nz