[Paddlewise] "Local rules" for Canadian VHF channels

From: Evan Dallas <evand_at_pensionresourcegroup.com>
Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 11:21:13 -0700
>>>>L:From: "Dave Kruger" <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>

Now, for how things really work, based on eight seasons of paddling on
Vancouver Island and in the Charlottes: if you are not near major cities or
areas of intense marine traffic, "local rules" apply. To wit, no one will
ask to see your operator's permit. I don't think the CCG cares much whether
you have the license or not; rather, they appear to be grateful sea kayakers
have and use VHF's: they make their job enormously easier. <<<<

OK, this is perhaps a real bozo question, but if you _don't_ have a Canadian
vhf operator's permit and you need to call the coast guard or whoever else,
how should you identify yourself in lieu of having a call sign?
"Kayaker-in-distress" or some such thing?

Also, do the "local rules" mean you can briefly call someone in your own
party (perhaps they've paddled ahead or are off exploring somewhere) without
too much risk?  If so, would this kind of communication be best on an
"intership" channel or a "working" channel (like 68) or something else?  (I
didn't see any "recreational use" channels listed for Canada.)

Evan Dallas
Woodinville, Washington
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Received on Mon May 17 2004 - 11:21:32 PDT

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