FCC Exam Question: 15C6

Which of the following statements concerning MMSI is true?

A. All ship station MMSI must begin with a single zero and include the MID.
B. All group station MMSI must begin with the MID.
C. None of these answers are correct.
D. All Coast Station MMSI must be 9 digits and begin with the MID and then two zeros.
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) is a unique 9-digit number identifying stations in the maritime mobile service. The initial digits define the type of station. * **Ship Station MMSI** always begins with the Maritime Identification Digits (MID), which are three digits identifying the country (e.g., 338 for the USA), followed by six more digits unique to the vessel. It never starts with a zero. * **Group Station MMSI** always begins with a single zero (0), followed by the MID, then five more digits. This prefix indicates a group call. * **Coast Station MMSI** always begins with two zeros (00), followed by the MID, then four more digits. This prefix identifies it as a shore-based station. Therefore: * **A) is false** because ship station MMSIs begin with the MID, not a single zero. * **B) is false** because group station MMSIs begin with a single zero, not directly with the MID. * **D) is false** because coast station MMSIs begin with two zeros, *then* the MID, not the MID *then* two zeros. Since statements A, B, and D are all incorrect descriptions of MMSI structure, C is the correct answer.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.