Safety gear requirements for boaters

[bigbruce]

Once again, I encourage everyone who uses a marine VHF to take the course and get an Operators' Certificate. Setting aside the fact that you could get fined if you don't have one, as High Five has pointed out, if you're on the water it is essential that you understand the messages that are being broadcast on Channel 16 and know how to properly broadcast on that channel yourself. Far too often I hear clowns on Channel 16 who think they're truckers on their CB's --- "breaker, breaker, good buddy" is never appropriate on a marine radio.

 

[marula]

Good thread, getting my ROC-m books this week. Touched on this subject in my power squadron course many years ago but its time to get current and licenced especially with increase in checks.
Went through my safety gear this weekend , flares expired, fire extinguisher needs re-certification, life line 30 feet, not 50 feet as required.
Every thing else ok. got some work to do this week to get fully compliant.

 

[Saxe Point]

Radio License and Operator Certificate are different things. Most recreational boaters will not require a radio license but all require an Operators Certificate. From the Transport Canada website:

Certification

Do I still require a Radio Operator Certificate?

Yes. The Radio Operator Certificate is still a requirement for anyone who may be operating the maritime radio equipment, regardless of whether a radio licence is required.

How do I obtain a certificate?

Candidates for the Radio Operator Certificate must successfully complete an examination. The exam can be written in any Industry Canada office or with an examiner accredited by Industry Canada. Your local boating association may be able to provide you with more information, or you can contact your local Industry Canada office RIC-66.

The TC website makes this stuff pretty clear. The laws regarding motor vehicles offer an analogy that simplifies things. Everybody who wants to drive a motor vehicle on public roads needs a license to do so, whether they own the motor vehicle or not. Same with the VHF radio.

If you own a motor vehicle and want to drive it, it needs to be registered/licensed. Same with the VHF radio. This is the "station license" for which most recreational boaters are exempt as long as the VHF radio is only going to be used in Canada's domestic waters.

Firearms are regulated in a similar way and offer another analogy. The person needs a license to acquire and own firearms. Certain firearms (used to be all of them) need to be registered.

Both the "user" and the "thing being used" need to be registered, licensed, or in some way authorized by the state, for use to be lawful. Motor vehicles, firearms, VHF radios.

Using the VHF requires the operator to be licensed. The radio itself is exempt from the licensing requirement (for most recrational boaters) if you only use it in Canadian waters.