Have a VHF Radio? Get Your Required Restricted Operator Certificate

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Words by Steve Fennell

When it comes to making a distress call on the water, it’s hard to match the function and efficiency of a VHF marine radio. The Canadian Coast Guard stresses that recreational boaters have one onboard and resort to it in the event of an emergency. Sure, a smart phone may be handy and the primary means of talking to your ‘peeps,’ but it’s not always reliable when communicating in the middle of a rural BC lake. 

Should a distress call need to be made, a VHF marine radio not only transmits the signal to the Coast Guard channel, but the signal is picked up by other VHF-equipped boats within listening range. What this means is nearby recreational boaters can come to your aid until a boat towing service or the Coast Guard can make it to your location. 

If you use a VHF Radio, it’s also required by law to have a Restricted Operator Certificate. This can be obtained by taking the VHF Marine Radio Course by the CPS-ECP. In addition to learning about emergency radio procedures, operating techniques, and the uses of marine radios, the course goes into detail about the choice of frequencies, operation, the phonetic alphabet, and procedural words and phrases. Other topics include:

  • Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS).
  • Routine calls and emergency calls 
  • Digital Select Calling (DSC) and voice procedures 
  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

To receive your Restricted Operator Certificate, the self-study program includes an exam and while it’s commonly done with a CPS-ECP certified examiner, it is now conducted via a video link due to COVID-19 restrictions. The course is also available weekly through virtual classes/webinars led by a certified instructor. 

For more information visit https://www.cps-ecp.ca/contact/squadron-locations/course-catalog/course-details/?cps-course=VHF%20Radio-01&cps-course-id=204