| BC Boating | Coastal Navigation | Maritime Radio Operator Course |
| Page: VHF Radio Operator's Certificate |
Anyone operating a fixed or portable marine radio is required by law to have a Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime).
Note: Operating a VHF radio without an operator's certificate may result in a fine. Note: "Operating" has been defined as turning the radio on.
For a Complimentary eight part introduction to Radio procedures, please subscribe below. This is not the complete Radio Course. You will receive periodic emails containing tips, news and product information. You will be able to unsubscribe at any time.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has delegated the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) the authority to issue the certificate.
As a Recognized Examiner I am qualified to teach and examine this certificate. Users can obtain the Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime) by taking the Maritime Radio home-study course. After studying the manual you will need to make an appointment with me to write the exam.
The Study Guide for the Restricted Operator's Certificate (RIC-23) from Industry Canada is now obsolete. The new manual, 2019, revised June 2021, has been re-written and includes additional information which deals with Digital Selective Calling (DSC). A DSC radio may be identified by a red DISTRESS button under a protective cap.
To obtain the MMSI number to use the DSC
functions visit:
MMSI Application.
The new exam for the Radio Operator's Certificate (ROC-M) includes the DSC
endorsement.
The manual, 102 pages, comes
with access to online Review Questions and Simulations which includes a video of a simulated
distress situation, a VHF simulator which allows you to familiarize yourself with the operational concepts of a DSC
radio, exercises to assist you in learning the phonetic alphabet, audio tracks of various
procedures and a practice exam which is similar to the final exam.
The course manual may be studied at your own pace and then you need to appear before
an examiner to complete the certification. Exams are usually
conducted over Zoom due to COVID.
Key Benefits
Provides the knowledge you need to operate your VHF radio
Teaches you the emergency procedures
Teaches the phonetic alphabet and proper operating phrases
To order the course, call 250-656-2628.
The manual, online review questions and exam are $190 plus 5% GST.
For a second person sharing the manual, the fee is $130 plus GST which includes the exam and the
card.
Shipping is $30.
A recent option is an electronic manual, an ePub. The cost is $180 plus GST and you save the shipping charge.
For a Free eight part introduction to Radio procedures, please subscribe below. This is not the complete Radio Course. You will receive periodic emails containing tips, news and product information. You will be able to unsubscribe at any time.
A waterproof handheld VHF is a good backup for your onboard radio and can be used in your dinghy or kayak. Standard Horizon has a handheld (HX850S) which floats and includes a GPS. images/HX850Sc.jpgimages/HX850S134c-SOG-COG.jpg See HX850Simages/HX850S_LCD3c.jpg
This is the radio I use. Because it has a GPS, you are able to use all the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) features. One of our students has purchased this radio to use while she is employed as a kayak guide
Newer model is
HX890
