Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate (Maritime) ROC(M)

Anyone operating a fixed or portable marine radio in a pleasure boat 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. 

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.

Industry Canada 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.  We have the new manuals in stock.

The Study Guide for the Restricted Operator's Certificate (RIC-23)  from Industry Canada is now obsolete.  The new manual, 2019, 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 an online study guide 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 two practise exams which are 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. 

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, study guide and exam are $140 plus 5% GST.  For a second person sharing the manual, the fee is $110 plus GST which includes the exam and the card. 
Shipping is $20

An electronic version of the manual, an ePub, is now available.  Cost is $130 plus GST.

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.   See HX850S

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 HX870