SCOP Module 2

1. SCOP Module 2 Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime) ROC(M)

2. The ROC(M) Course • Follows strict guidelines and testing that is set out by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. • Like the SCOP Module 1 (PCOC) course, if you are successful, you will earn a certification.

3. What do I have to do to earn my ROC(M) ? • To earn your ROC(M), you will have to pass both a: • written, and • practical test. • If you pass the written but don’t pass the practical test, you will only have to redo the practical test, not both.

4. Topics we will be covering in the course include … • Module 1 • Maritime Mobile Service, • Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine Radio Procedures, • Distress Calling Procedures, • Urgency Calling Procedures, and • Safety Calling Procedures.

5. Topics we will be covering in the course include … • Module 2 • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Overview, • GMDSS Equipment, and • Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

6. SCOP Module 2 Lesson EO 002.01 Describe the Maritime Mobile Service

7. In this lesson we will be looking at • Maritime Mobile Service (MMS), • ROC(M), • Radio Station Licence, • Radio Station Requirements, • Governing Authorities, • Secrecy of Communications, • International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequencies, and • Propagation and Range of Signal.

8. What is the Maritime Mobile Service (MMS)? • The telecommunications service used by all vessels worldwide. • It includes all Marine radiotelephone communication on VHF / Medium Frequency (MF) / High Frequency (HF) bands in Canada including: Ship to Ship & Ship to Shore Stations

9. Can any shore station use the MMS? • The only Shore Stations authorized to use the MMS are: • Canadian Coast Guard Radio Stations; and • Search and Rescue Land Facilities. • In some instances one working frequency may be allotted to: • Shipping Companies; or • Marina Offices.

10. What do I need to operate a marine radio? • A ROC (M), and • It is valid for the lifetime of the holder (it never expires). Note: Anyone operating a radio in Canadian waters from a foreign country must obey the regulations of their own country.

11. When do you need a ROC(M)? • When operating a VHF, MF and HF Marine Band radio on a voluntarily fitted vessel. • Voluntary fitted vessels include: • Pleasure craft; • Fishing craft less than 8 m in length; • Naval vessels; and • Tug boats operating in restricted waters.

12. What do they mean by “Operating a Marine Radio”? • As soon as you turn the radio on, • You are operating it, and • You need a ROC(M) to do so. • Operating any marine radio without a license can cost you a fine up to $ 5000 / 12 months in jail.

13. Who does not need a ROC(M)? • Compulsory Fitted Vessels (all commercial vessels) including: • Ocean going vessels; • Passenger carrying vessels; • Coastal freighters; • Icebreakers; • Tow Boats; and • Closed construction ships greater than 8 m in length.

14. What you need to know about a Radio Station License • All radio stations must have a radio station license: • Issued by Industry Canada-Spectrum Management (ICSM); • Equipment that meets Industry Canada approval • approved radios have a 9 digit number on the back • Is good for one year (renewed annually); and • must be posted in a visible spot near the radio.

15. Mobile Station • A Marine Band radio installed on a vessel becomes a mobile station.

16. What information is found on the radio station license? • The call sign of the station. • Frequencies to be used. • Type of radio equipment. • Special conditions under which the station shall be operated.

17. Are there fines for not having a radio station license? • Yes • Any person who establishes a station without a licence is liable for: • Fines up to $5,000.00 and / or • Up to 12 months imprisonment (jail) • Any corporation who establishes a radio station without a license may be liable for • Fines up to $25,000.00.

18. Radio Station Exemptions • In order to be exempt from requiring a radio station license a vessel must be: • Registered or licensed in Canada; • Owned or operated by the Canadian government or a provincial government; • Operating in Canadian waters; • Operating in a country that Canada has a reciprocal agreement with; • Using frequencies listed in RBR-2; and • Carrying a radio that meets Industry Canada criteria.

19. What is the radio station required to do? • Compulsory equipped vessels: • Keep a radio log; • Continuously watch 156.8 MHZ/Channel 16 while at sea; • Begin radio watch 15 minutes before departure and continue until back at anchor; and • Maintain radio silence periods • 3 minute periods starting on the hour and on the ½ hour.

20. What is the radio station required to do? • Voluntarily equipped vessels: • Encouraged to maintain a radio log but this is not mandatory; and • Not required to maintain a radio watch during radio silence periods.

21. What documents must radio stations carry? • Canadian ship stations that are voluntarily fitted with a Marine Band radio must carry: • Ship Station License (unless exempt); and • ROC(M) (for each user). • They should also carry: • Canadian Radio Aids to Navigation; and • Radio operating and maintenance manuals.

22. What 3 authorities govern/oversee radio regulations and procedures? • Industry Canada – Spectrum Management (ICSM); • The International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and • The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).

23. Canadian Coast Guard Radio (CGR) Stations • CGR stations are identified by their geographic names, followed by “… Coast Guard Radio”. • For example: Kingston Coast Guard Radio Prescott Coast Guard Radio

24. What is the role of the CGR Station? • Monitor all distress and calling frequencies (2182 KHz [MF] and 156.8 MHz [VHF] / Channel 16). • Maintain effective control over the marine frequencies. • Provide weather broadcasts, notices to Mariners, and ship movements. • Provide access to public telephones. • Coordinate emergency services.

25. Secrecy and Radio Communication • You will hear other people’s private conversations over the radio. • No one can prevent you from overhearing them however, you should be aware that: • Using a radio is a privilege; • Everyone is expected to respect each other’s privacy and not repeat what they hear on the radio; and • You can be fined or go to jail for repeating private conversations that you hear on the marine radio.

26. Are there any times when you can repeat what you hear? • Yes, in cases where the message is one of the following: • Distress, • Urgency, • Safety, and • All Stations.

27. What are the International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequencies? • VHF: Channel 16 • (156.8 MHz) (2182 KHz MF). • DSC VHF: Channel 70 • (156.525 MHz) (2187.5 KHz MF). • *16 on a cell phone to Coast Guard Radio.

28. International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequencies… • Are used for initial contact and replies to establish communication. • Then switch to a working channel for regular communication. • Avoid excessive calling on these frequencies.

29. What is the Propagation & Range of Signal? • Propagation – how far the radio waves spread. • VHF communication is generally limited to line of sight and is limited by land masses. • A vessel with a 25 watt transmitter and good antenna may have a range of 85 kms.

30. What is the Propagation & Range of Signal?

31. What is the Propagation & Range of Signal? • Maximum VHF transmitter output is 25 watts (maximum power authorized). • When contacting a station in close proximity power should be set to 1 watt.

32. Radiotelephone alarm • International radiotelephone alarm signal consists of a repetitive transmission of two audio tones that produce a warblingsound. • Signal period is a minimum of 30 seconds but does not exceed 1 min. • Purpose of signal is to precede a distress signal, call and message. (play Radiotelephone alarm)

33. Navigational warning signal Navigational warning signals are transmitted from a coast station for a period of 15 seconds before vital navigational warnings on MF 2182 kHz. • Consists of an interrupted tone frequency of 2.2 kHz lasting 250 milliseconds (1/4 second). • Indicates message concerning navigational warning to follow for weather, storm, or safety notices.

34. General Electronic Information • Power for electronic equipment on small vessels is usually supplied by lead acid storage batteries. • Regular maintenance for all electronics should be practiced to maintain good working order of equipment.

35. General Electronic information Cautions • Keep batteries securely restrained. • Keep away from falling objects. • Ventilation of the battery compartment is required to prevent build up of gases. • Smoking is not permitted near the battery. • Take care when checking the electrolyte as this is an extremely corrosive fluid.

36. Alternative Radio Services Alternative radio services, to include: • General Radio Service (GRS) aka Citizen's Band (CB); • Amateur Radio Service (HAM RADIO); • Family Radio Service (FRS); • General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS); and • cell phones.

37. GRS aka Citizen’s Band (CB) • Also known by its American designation, Citizen’s Band (CB). • Power, and hence effective distance, very limited. • No telephone service possible. • Coast Guard and other potential rescue agencies do not monitor GRS. • Tends to be crowded with undisciplined calling.

38. Amateur Radio Service (HAM RADIO) • Possible to communicate over very great distance. • A basic Amateur license allows operation on VHF. • Equipment can have large power requirements. • Operator’s certification hard to obtain. • No emergency assistance agencies monitor these frequencies.

39. Family Radio Service (FRS) • Intended for short range communication - typically under 1 km. • No license required. • May be used for onboard communications. • No emergency assistance agencies monitor these frequencies. • UHF service (460 MHz).

40. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) • Unlicensed personal radio service. • Higher power than FRS and claim range of 8 miles. • GMRS and FRS share 7 channels. • Each service has several channels not used by the other service.

41. End of Lesson Confirmation The radio operator of any Canadian ship station voluntarily fitted with a radiotelephone must carry on board: • A Ship Station Licence; • A Radio Operators Certificate; • The current edition of Canadian Radio Aids to Marine Navigation; and • An Instruction Manual for the radio equipment in use.

42. End of Lesson Confirmation When not in communication with another station, the recommended procedure is to:  • Listen to the Coast Guard on Channel 22; • Make a call to ALL STATIONS advising that you are standing by on Channel 16; • Turn off your radio to conserve the batteries; and • Maintain a listening watch on Channel 16.

43. End of Lesson Confirmation The contents of any transmission received or intercepted by a radio station should not be divulged unless: • The call was a ship to ship call; • The call was addressed to ALL STATIONS; • The call was from a land-based station; and • The call was made on channel 68.

44. End of Lesson Confirmation The International Radiotelephone Alarm signal consists of: • The Morse code for SOS repeated three times; • The rising and falling of a siren sound; • Two audio tones that produce a warbling sound; and • A sound like the rapid sounding of a ships bell.

45. End of Lesson Confirmation To ensure the maximum life from a lead-acid storage battery: • It should be stored in a well ventilated area; • Use acid to “top up”; • Leave the top uncovered; and • Use tap water to “top up”.

46. End of Lesson Confirmation Vessels fitted with a VHF transmitter of 25 watts output and an efficient antenna, can be expected to operate up to a distance of: • 28 km (15 NM); • 39 km (21 NM); • 85 km (40 NM); and • This is not an authorized transmission power for a radio.