"Shawn W. Baker" wrote: > What is the standard operating procedure for an American kayaker using a > handheld VHF in Canadian waters? > > If I'm not mistaken, we no longer need a license to use handhelds in the > US. The licensing is still required in Canada. Or is it just one of > those things...just like your USCG-approved PFD isn't technically > approved of in Canada, but it is an "approved" piece of safety > equipment. The legal requirements are that you must have two pieces of paper: a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit and a Ship Radio Station License. I have these because when I acquired my VHF, they were required for use in this country. Though no longer required here for our service, they are required for use in Canada. (Check the FCC Web site for confirmation: http://www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcomms/othrcoms/fcc.htm) However, my understanding (and my experience) is that no one up there cares to enforce the licensing rules about use of handhelds by kayakers, unless someone flagrantly abuses the privilege. I have traveled extensively in the Charlottes and also quite a bit on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and have never been checked. I have never heard of any kayaker being checked. In addition, outfitters in the Charlottes routinely rent VHF's to kayakers with no mention of a licensing requirement. I suppose the practice might be different in more populous areas (viz., the harbour at Vancouver). YMMV. Someone who lives in Canada would certainly be in a better position to comment on this than I am. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Jun 08 2000 - 16:33:43 PDT
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