Re: [Paddlewise] "Local rules" for Canadian VHF channels

On 17 May 2004 at 11:21, Evan Dallas wrote:

> 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?

If you take the course, you'd know :-)

You get an ID with a station license.  Since you don't need one, and 
your operator's permit doesn't come with an ID, you just use 
something they can use - most folks will use their boat's name.  You 
want something short and easy to understand.

> (I didn't see any "recreational use" channels listed for Canada.)

That's because marine VHF is not a recreational device in Canada.  If 
you intend to use radio for regular communication between members of 
your party, you'd be better off with FRS - cheap and legal, both US 
and Canadian standards for FRS are the same (not so for GPRS, so if 
you have a dual device, like the Garmin Rino, use only the FRS 
channels).

I'd recommend taking the license in the US.  You'll learn the proper 
protocols, the standards etc.  It only takes a couple of days in 
Canada, so I'd imagine it's similar in the US.  I paid C$40 for the 
course (including the C$25 - IIRC - for the license fee) and that 
won't break the bank.  I don't imagine that the US fees are a lot 
higher.

Mike
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