VHF

CPS - ECP

Port Credit
Power & Sail Squadron

Some of you may have already heard of DSC (Digital Selective Calling). If you've purchased a new VHF radio for your boat in the last year chances are you were shown one with that option. Beginning in January 2005 anyone with an existing ROC (marine) will now be requirement to augment their certificate with the DSC upgrade while anyone taking the course and exam to get their ROC (marine) will automatically be enrolled in the new course. CPS is the examining body for Industry Canada to administer this certificate and we will be offering this new addition to anyone interested in 2005. All the details on this are presented below.

The document presented here from Oceans and Fisheries Canada outlines the present and future development of SARs worldwide. An integral part of the system is the VHF DSC radio (Very High Frequency Digital Selective Calling).

Why is this important to us? The Radio Watch of old is being replaced by an automated system that responds to a Digital code. No longer will a person be glued to their headsets monitoring Channel 16...take a look at what's been under development since 1976...

Although not implemented on the Great Lakes as of yet, it is coming. It would be naive to assume that the Maritime radio system is set up for recreational boaters, it's not. It is for the commercial craft, yet this is the system we will have to adopt to provide for our own safety while enjoying our waterways.

The Details...

A unit of
Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons/Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance
HQ Website: http://www.cps-ecp.ca
Open Learning Centre Website: http://www.cps-ecp.org