I recently purchased a VHF radio (the Standard horizon 350S) and am now trying to learn the rules for it's proper use in Canada (what channels are used for what purpose, etc). I've found some info, but it's mostly oriented towards power-boaters or commercial ships. Does anyone know of a good kayaker-oriented listing of the basic rules, etc.? Evan Dallas Woodinville, Washington *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 13 May 2004 at 12:45, Evan Dallas wrote: > I recently purchased a VHF radio (the Standard horizon 350S) and am > now trying to learn the rules for it's proper use in Canada (what > channels are used for what purpose, etc). I've found some info, but > it's mostly oriented towards power-boaters or commercial ships. Does > anyone know of a good kayaker-oriented listing of the basic rules, > etc.? The most basic rule is that to use marine VHF in Canada, you need an operator's permit (i.e. license - that is, the US license if you're a US citizen operating a radio in Canada while visiting). You don't need a license for the transceiver (i.e. station license), only for the operator. I've never seen anything aimed at kayaks. We are practically nonexistent in the world of marine VHF; among recreational marine VHF users, power and sail (keel boats) are it. This looks like a decent web page: http://boating.ncf.ca/vhf.html It has an overview of channel assignments; AFAIK, they are mostly the same as US channels, but I'm pretty sure there are a couple of differences. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Evan Dallas" <evand_at_pensionresourcegroup.com> asked: >> I recently purchased a VHF radio (the Standard horizon 350S) and am now trying to learn the rules for it's proper use in Canada (what channels are used for what purpose, etc). I've found some info, but it's mostly oriented towards power-boaters or commercial ships. Does anyone know of a good kayaker-oriented listing of the basic rules, etc.?>> Evan, channel usage parallels that in the US, with a few exceptions. Here is the US set of assignments: http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/vhfchanl.html and http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/vhf.htm And, here is a summary of the rules in Canada: http://boating.ncf.ca/vhf.html with this summary corresponding to "local rules:" http://boating.ncf.ca/vhfchannels.html 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. And, local channel usage may be at variance with the official rules. In the Charlottes, everyone uses Channel 6 for hailing and for exchanging information, including shore-based operations which interact with mariners (Haida Watchmen, B and B outfits in Houston Stewart Channel, kayak transporters, etc.), and including float planes preparing to land or take off. In Canada, Channel 16 is, of course, monitored by the CCG for distress calls, etc., and when an emergency goes down, the CCG follows USCG procedure and switches to a "working channel" to leave 16 free for more calls. Not to worry which channel they use: they'll tell you. BTW, we found CCG antenna placement in Canada to be superior to what we experience locally in the US: loud and clear, even in remote niches in the Charlottes. You can get Environment Canada weather on 21B or 21 A (I think), as well as the dedicated weather channels; it is better weather info than we get down here, also. When you get to where you plan to paddle, ask around for local rules. Outfitters and marina folks will know. If you learn VHF protocol, and practice it before you go, you'll do fine. Here is one resource for that: http://boating.ncf.ca/vhfcall.html The worst sin is overusing 16 and/or leaving your mike open -- same beans as here. If you have a true emergency, everyone listening will help out, and all the formal stuff becomes unimportant. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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