Salt Spring Island Power & Sail Squadron

Home | Courses | Events | Boating News | Bridge | The Sounder | Links

Important News for Members and Mariners

VHF Radio Channel Changes.

The Canadian Coast Guard - Victora Coast Guard Radio has now switched to Channel 83A for their working frequency. Non emergency communications should use this channel.

Transport Canada has recently announced that:-
1. All Marinas are to operate on VHF Channel 66A (66 in US Mode) to free up VHF Channels 68 and 73.
Note that US Marinas also use 66A.
2. Due to static and interference on VHF Channel 73, Victoria Port Operations will be conducted on VHF Chan. 18A.

You still need a VHF Station Licence
if you plan to voyage in U.S. waters, you still require the Station Licence.
Plans for a reciprocal agreement relieving Canadian boaters of this requirement were abandoned due to the change in security attitudes following 9/11.

Restricted Operator's Certificate
(VHF Marine Radio)
If you have a pleasure craft and have a fixed or portable marine radiotelphone you are required by law to have a Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC). See the Boating Safety Notice.
The SSI Power & Sail Squadron offers this the VHF Marine Radio Operator's course. Learn the phonetic alphabet, as well as correct radiotelephone operating procedures. This course will enable you to pass the Industry Canada Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate Exam, which will be given at the conclusion of the teaching session. The ROC will be issued upon successful completion of this course (approximately 6 hours).
Contact the Training Officer, Anthony Thorne, for more information.

Salt Spring Island Squadron
of Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons
PO Box 573, Ganges PO
Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2W2

This page last updated May 2, 2007