Have done some searches here and elsewhere. Seems to be a lot of mixed opinions. I am intending to register my VHF's and buy a new AIS Class B transponder. I do not currently have an MMSI and nothing has been programmed in my VHF's yet. My understanding is FCC regulations require that you obtain a Ship Station License and MMSI via the FCC is you are planning to travel in foreign waters. Alternatively you can get one more easily and cheaply via Sea Tow or Boat U.S. for domestic use only. My question is, I have no idea what I might do in the future. It is not out of the question that I could take this boat to Nova Scotia one summer or to the Bahamas one winter although I have no immediate plans to do either and, at least on this boat, it may never happen. So, anybody have any opinions on the trade-offs?
The Sea Tow and Boat US route is more user friendly. The FCC route takes more patience. Basically you have to establish an FRN which is an account and log-in info. Then you apply for a ship station license SA or SB from memory.