VHF Marine Radio

[eye-tracker]

Well I thought I would share some of my wisdom I have gained over the past few weeks about the Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC). I was told by lots of people and read on the Internet I did not need anything to use a VHF radio, but after a few phone calls to Industry Canada and my local Canadian Power & Sail Squadron (CPS) I was informed to use a VHF marine radio I needed to have a ROC. I have completed the course and passed the test and thought I would share some of the info I gained to help others with VHF radios.

REGULATION: All persons operating a radio in Canadian waters must comply with regulations of their own country of origin. The certificate required by recreational marine operators based in Canada is the Restricted Operator's Certificate. It is valid for the lifetime of the holder.

The course helps you understand the operating procedures to recieve, relay and transmit Distress, Urgency and Security messages. I am glad I have taken this course because it could one day save a life...even mine.

The course is also offered online by CPS.

I thought I would add a poll question because only a few months ago I thought I did not need anything to transmit on a VHF radio. I think Industry Canada could communicate that an ROC is needed a little better, trying to find marine VHF information on their website was a chore.

[Markus]

I've been following these posts quite frequently. Today is the day that a new VHF is being installed in the boat.

Everyone that I fish with has a radio in their boat and I'm pretty sure only one person has they're ROC.

Now that being said....how do they inforce it?

According to the reg's, it sounds like you need an ROC to transmit, not to own? So if they see it in your boat and ask if you have a card, tecqniquely you don't require. Does your callsign have to be registered with the coast guard?

[Seaweed]

Now do those little FRS radios that are the craze this year fall under that some regulation umbrella... because no where on the packaging of the things did it lead me to believe that I needed to do anything... other than just chat away on them.

I have a VHF radio ... with twin headset ..... for Nascar racing and listening to the drivers and pit crew jabbering back and forth... but I don`t transmit on it... I have no mic.

[Markus]

No Seaweed, anyone can use the FRS radios. They have a small range and transmit on a seperate band. I own 3 of them and take them everywhere. They're great for a lot of things.

[eye-tracker]

Now that being said....how do they inforce it?

According to the reg's, it sounds like you need an ROC to transmit, not to own? So if they see it in your boat and ask if you have a card, tecqniquely you don't require. Does your callsign have to be registered with the coast guard?

Hello Markus these are good questions...
Here is the way I see it from taking the course...If you have a VHF radio in your boat with the mic removed you may be O.K. if the police or coast gaurd do a boat inspection.(One person in our course was fined last summer) If you have a radio installed in your boat and a distress call is made on 16 which you "should be monitoring at all times" you have to respond...also if the Coast Gaurd asks you to help in a rescue you will need to respond, they can usually tell by your radio procedures if you have an ROC... so this is why anyone with a VHF needs a ROC. BTW the fine for not having a ROC is $100, I think this increases for every offence, not responding to a distress call is a $5000 fine.

There is no call sign if you have a ROC, you use your boat name or reg number to make your call unique. You only have a call sign if you purchase a VHF Station Licence from Industry Canada (This is what you no longer need for recreational boating in Canada).

I reccommend the course...even if you do it online. I sure look at my radio different now...heck I even know what they are taking about on the working and Coat Gaurd channels

I hope this helps Marcus...I think ROC and the Boat Operators Card are not communicated well to the end users!!! Maybe we should mak a FAQ on VHF for Anglers on the Fish Hawk site?

[SkeeterJohn]

I know most of us don't have vhf radios but many have frs radios... there's another gap in there which i believe is gsrm ?? which i believe also requires some kind of licenses perhaps only in the states though... i think gsrm (maybe a little different) has a slightly better range than plain frs... any comments from those who know ?

[Markus]

Thanks ET. I will eventually get my ROC. It's just fuel to the fire for me right now. I do a lot of different types of fishing/hunting. It seems the past 3 years, everytime I turn around, I'm being slapped with another fee or mandatory course. It just seems endless. I grumble, but in the end my wallet opens and I have another stat on my outdoorsmen resume.

[eye-tracker]

i think gsrm (maybe a little different) has a slightly better range than plain frs... any comments from those who know ?

Hello John...
Presently you are not allowed to use the GMRS spectrum in Canada because it is reserved for other radio service, but Industry Canada is going to make the spectrum 462/467 MHz available by September 2004 with no Licence restriction. Here is more details...
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet ... 8145e.html

[M.T. Livewell]

OK, place sign on back reading "I just don't get it".
Are these VHF radios the same as a "CB"? I have one of the radio shack ones (used to be in my truck) and while it ain't really a marine radio, I could conceivably slap it in my boat. But would I need a license?

M.T. Livewell

[SkeeterJohn]

Thanks eyetracker.. right letters wrong order