VHF Radio use

[SteveHughessails]

Curious, I am a trailer sailor who likes to go to multiple small lakes (and large). Our Hunter has a VHF radio in it. I am not licensed nor do I believe I would ever use it but, is getting a license and being able to help equally as important as needing help? Is it incumbent upon me to do this?

Thoughts?

 

[kappykaplan]

License for VHF marine radios on recreational boats is not required. If you're on a pleasure craft (under 20 meters/65 feet) operating only in U.S. waters, using VHF, EPIRB, or radar, you're "licensed by rule" and don't need an FCC Ship Station License or operator permit. Your boat's name or state registration serves as identification.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Appreciate that, maybe different in Canada? I am being told I will be fined if I use that radio. A quick google search says recreational use may be exempt.

 

[dlochner]

Appreciate that, maybe different in Canada? I am being told I will be fined if I use that radio. A quick google search says recreational use may be exempt.

Your best source of information will be the website of the agency in Canada that governs the use of the airwaves. In the US that is the Federal Communications Commission.

https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/acrtc/acrtc.htm

 

[SteveHughessails]

Its getting complicated lol. I found an FAQ on Transport Canada's site:

3. Do I need a radio operator's certificate?
Marine radiotelephones fitted onboard Canadian vessels, must be operated by a person holding a Radio Operator's Certificate ( ROC-M ). Commercial vessels required to fit Digital Selective Calling or a satellite ship earth station must employ radio operators holding a Radio Operator's Certificate - Maritime Commercial ( ROC-MC ).
ISED has delegated the ROC-M to the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons ( CPS ) and courses are available in many areas. Further information can be found on the CPS website.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Plus, it’s good practice to keep the radio on just in case someone is calling for help. You may be the only vessel hearing an emergency call.

 

[SteveHughessails]

This is what I have found:
You must have a Radio Operator?s Certificate - Marine ROC(M) to transmit on all marine radios - VHF, MF/HF, and SSB - Canada. You do not need an ROC(M) to use FRS or CB radios. GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) are included in the ROC exams. Always teach your children never to use the radio unless they have an ROC(M).

and this:
After April 1999, VHF Radios on pleasure boats are no longer 'required' to have a ship station licence within Canadian waters due to changes to the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Radiocommunications Regulations (Section 15.2 Exemption of Radio Apparatus on Board a Ship). (You do not need a ship licence or operator certificate to use FRS or CB radios on a boat.)

 

[SteveHughessails]

Plus, it’s good practice to keep the radio on just in case someone is calling for help. You may be the only vessel hearing an emergency call.

This is the reason why I am considering this.

 

[Tedd]

I sailed a trailer sailer on lakes in BC for several years. I opted to get an ROC partly for the reason you said and partly because I knew I would eventually sail in coastal waters. But I’ve never heard a transmission while on a lake. I’m sure the Great Lakes and other really big lakes are different but on most Canadian lakes I think you’ll find you’re the only boat out there that even has a radio. It’s still a good idea to get the certificate and monitor the radio, though. You never know when you might be able to help. You’ll feel terrible if you find out later that you could have been of help.

 

[BCsailor-skier]

Yes, technically the ROC-M is required, if transmitting. (If an emergency, you are allowed to transmit.)

It's a very easy course. Usually offered as a daylong or half-day course, but the test (and study book) is simple. Possible to do online. For example: ROC-M Radio Course - BoaterSkills.ca