What do the first 3 numbers of an MMSI number indicate?

The first three numbers of an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number indicate the country of origin of the vessel. Each country is assigned a specific range of numbers to ensure that MMSI numbers are unique and can be easily identified internationally. This allows for effective communication and identification of vessels within the maritime domain.

For example, MMSI numbers starting with certain prefixes are allocated to specific countries. This systematic assignment helps in tracking and identifying vessels based on their geographic location and registration. It is essential for maritime safety, ensuring that communication and monitoring systems can efficiently distinguish between vessels from different countries.

Understanding this aspect of MMSI numbers is crucial for operators, as it directly relates to international maritime regulations and safety protocols.